cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Proteome of Pancreatic Cancer‐Derived Exosomes Reveals Signatures Rich in Key Signaling Pathways

Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles that traffic small molecular cargos. These cargos participate in cell-cell communication and contribute to the pathogenesis of many disease including cancer. How these mechanisms contribute to communication within the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) microenvironment and how they contribute to PDAC biology are poorly understood. Performed in this study are comprehensive, quantitative comparisons of the proteomes of three PDAC cell lines to those of the exosomes they produce. Approximately 35% of whole cell proteins sort into exosomes. Analysis of composition of microbiomes (ANCOM) determined a cluster of 98 enriched pancreatic cancer exosome core proteins (ePC-ECPs). Further, these proteins are predicted by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) as actively involved in signaling pathways regulating cell death and survival, cellular movement, and cell-to-cell signaling and interaction in particular (top three p-value significant pathways). Significant enrichment of canonical pathways of acute phase response signaling (inflammatory response signaling pathways) and FXR and RXR activation in biosynthetic pathways are also predicted; 97 ePC-ECPs are associated with cancer and among them, 34 are specifically associated with PDAC. In conclusion, exosomes from PDAC are enriched with cancer-associated signaling proteins. Further assessment of these proteins as PDAC biomarkers or therapeutic targets is warranted.
Mind the Gap: Bridging the Divide Between Current Binge Drinking Prevention and the Needs of Hispanic Underage Emerging Adults

In this article, we highlight the urgent public health need for prevention of heavy episodic drinking among underage Hispanic emerging adults in the USA. We outline the current state of binge drinking prevention programming and contrast it with the unique cultural, social, and developmental realities of this population using an ecodevelopmental framework (Szapocznik and Coatsworth 1999). Finally, we advance specific recommendations for the development and delivery of culturally tailored, multisystemic binge drinking prevention programs for underage Hispanic emerging adults.
Capturing behavioral indicators of persecutory ideation using mobile technology

Abstract Most existing measures of persecutory ideation (PI) rely on infrequent in-person visits, and this limits their ability to assess rapid changes or real-world functioning. Mobile health (mHealth) technology may address these limitations. Little is known about passively sensed behavioral indicators associated with PI. In the current study, sixty-two participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders completed momentary assessments of PI on a smartphone that also passively collected behavioral data for one year. Results suggested that PI was prevalent (n = 50, 82% of sample) but had infrequent incidence (25.2% of EMA responses). PI was also associated with changes in several passively sensed variables, including decreases in distance traveled (Mkilometers = −1.20, SD = 18.88), time spent in a vehicle (Mminutes = −4.15, SD = 49.59), length of outgoing phone calls (Mminutes = −0.79, SD = 13.13), time spent proximal to human speech (Mminutes = −6.26, SD = 153.03), and an increase in time sitting still (Mminutes = 4.04, SD = 94.69). The present study suggests changes associated with PI may be detectable by passive sensors, including reductions in moving or traveling, and time spent around others or in self-initiated phone conversations. These constructs might constitute risk for PI.
Dynamic Redesign of a Flow Control Servovalve Using a Pressure Control Pilot

In this paper the dynamic performance of an unconventional two-spool flow control servovalve using a pressure control pilot is analyzed. Such valves are less expensive than typical servovalves but also tend to be limited in their dynamic performance. Based on a previously developed eight state nonlinear model, we develop a simplified linear model which is able to capture the essential dynamics of the valve. Using root locus analysis method, the limitation in dynamic performance is shown to be due to a zero introduced by the structure of the interconnection of the subsystems. Design parameters that move the zero further to the left half plane, and do not adversely affect other steady-state criteria are identified. The effectiveness of these parameters to improve the dynamic performance is demonstrated. This analysis demonstrates how the structure of the interactions between subsystems in a dynamic component, such as a hydraulic valve, can critically limit the dynamic performance of the component.
Augmentation cystoplasty in the patient with neurogenic bladder

To review the indications and techniques of augmentation cystoplasty (AC) in patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB) while also examining the long-term outcomes, complications, and follow-up surgeries. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for articles related to AC and NGB. AC is indicated for an overactive or poorly compliant bladder refractory to conservative therapies, such as anticholinergic medications and bladder botulinum toxin injections. A variety of surgical techniques using gastrointestinal segments, alternative tissues, and synthetic materials have been described, though bowel remains the most durable. Ileocystoplasty is the most common type of AC, which uses a detubularized patch of ileum that is anastomosed to a bivalved bladder. Some patients undergo concomitant surgeries at the time of AC, such as catheterizable channel creation to aid with clean intermittent catheterization, ureteral reimplantation to treat vesicoureteral reflux, and bladder outlet procedure to treat incontinence. Following AC, the majority of patients experience an improvement in bladder capacity, compliance, and continence. Most patients also experience an improvement in quality of life. AC has significant complications, such as chronic UTIs, bladder and renal calculi, metabolic disturbances, bowel problems, perforation, and malignancy. AC also has a high rate of follow-up surgeries, especially if the patient undergoes concomitant creation of a catheterizable channel. Enterocystoplasty remains the gold standard for AC, though more research is needed to better evaluate the morbidity of different surgical techniques and the indications for concomitant surgeries. Experimental methods of AC with tissue engineering are a promising area for further investigation.
Heavy and Explosive Training Differentially Affect Modeled Cyclic Muscle Power.

Introduction/purpose Muscular power is important in applications ranging from elite sport to activities of daily living. Results for improvements in power after resistance training have been mixed, possibly because of changes in muscle activation and deactivation rates. Our purpose was to determine the effects of heavy and explosive training programs on maximal power across a range of frequencies during cyclical contractions using a mathematical model. Methods Maximal force production and time constants for muscle activation and deactivation after heavy and explosive training programs were determined using previously reported data. A muscle-tendon model was subjected to sinusoidal length change, and activation and deactivation were set to maximize power for a range of cycle frequencies (0.5-3.0 Hz). Power for shortening/lengthening cycles was modeled for each training program and for a hypothetical periodized program with the best results from each program. Results The heavy training program increased strength by 26.8%, and increased time required for activation (20%) and deactivation (48%). The explosive training program increased strength by 10.8%, but decreased time required for activation (24%) and deactivation (10%). Increases in maximal power were similar after heavy (13.6%) and explosive (13.8%) training, but with different power-frequency relationships (optimal frequencies of 1.56 and 1.94 Hz for heavy and explosive, respectively). The hypothetical periodized program increased power by 30.3% (optimal frequency at 1.94 Hz). Conclusion Power during low-frequency movements (e.g., swimming) improved more after heavy training, whereas power during high-frequency movements (e.g., running) improved more after explosive training. These findings suggest that changes in time required for activation and deactivation in response to training are highly influential for maximal power across a range of functional frequencies, ultimately altering the ideal training regimen for specific activities.
Nebulized Tranexamic Acid for the Use of Epistaxis: A Case Report.

Abstract Background Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent and functions as a competitive inhibitor of plasminogen activation, promoting hemostasis. Topical application of tranexamic acid for the control of epistaxis has been described in the literature, mainly through administration with gauze and packing. There is limited evidence for the use of tranexamic acid via alternative routes of administration such as nebulization. Case Report We describe a patient who presented to the emergency department with epistaxis who was treated with nebulized tranexamic acid. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? Our case provides an alternative treatment modality using nebulizing tranexamic acid to help manage epistaxis in patients that cannot be managed with topical antifibrinolytic therapy administered by other means.
Manufacturing Consent for Engineering Earth: Social Dynamics in Boston’s Big Dig

The landscape of Boston has been dramatically transformed over the past two decades by the “Big Dig,” one of the largest and most complex urban infrastructure redevelopment projects in the nation’s history. The heart of the $15 billion, 15-year project was the relocation of an elevated interstate highway that had cut the city in half since the 1950s into a new underground tunnel, as well as the construction of a new tunnel under the harbor to connect Boston and its interstate highways more directly to the airport. It came to include many other elements, though, including new mass transit options, a landmark new bridge, new parks and open spaces, and the transformation of a heavily polluted island in Boston Harbor into the centerpiece of a new national park. Each component was the subject of fierce political contestation as actors ranging from local neighborhood groups, to regional industry, to every level of government pressed demands, imposed conditions, and sought to have their preferred vision become the blueprint for the city’s new reality. This chapter argues that while the physical and technological aspects of the project were indeed extraordinary, the transformation of the city wrought by the Big Dig was shaped more by such political contestation over collective environments, much of it not in plain view, than by the more readily visible technological considerations.
Muir Torre syndrome and in vitro fertilization: One family's experience

Abstract Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) offers patients with heritable conditions undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) the ability to identify specific genetic anomalies in their embryos prior to implantation. A patient with a past medical history of Lynch syndrome presented to her dermatologist for a cutaneous sebaceous carcinoma and her diagnosis was subsequently further classified as Muir Torre syndrome (MTS). This patient’s family member, who also tested positive for the mutation, used IVF with PGD to identify a mutation-free embryo for implantation and prevent her future child from carrying the same diagnosis. This family’s experience is described, and relevant reproductive technologies available to similar patients are reviewed. Physicians diagnosing and treating heritable genetic conditions should be aware of this reproductive technology and its ethical implications that vary based on individual belief systems.
In vivo anti-prostate cancer properties of parthenolide

4568 INTRODUCTION: We have previously reported the ability of parthenolide to inhibit prostate cancer cell (LNCaP, PC-3) growth as well as angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Parthenolide has been shown to inhibit Nuclear Factor-kappa B DNA binding. Experiments detailing the translatability of this data for possible clinical use of parthenolide are described. METHODS: Electromobility shift assay was performed to assess NF-kappa B DNA binding in CWR22Rv1 cells (androgen-responsive but androgen-independent human prostate cancer) with and without parthenolide treatment. MTS and clonogenic assays were performed to determine parthenolide’s IC50 in the CWR22Rv1 cell line in vitro. An established heterotopic xenograft model of subcutaneous CWR22Rv1 cells was employed with four arms: solvent control, 40 mg/kg/day parthenolide by oral gavage, 5 mg/kg/week docetaxel intraperitoneally and the combination of docetaxel plus parthenolide. There were approximately 20 mice in each arm and treatment was commenced 14 days after implantation. Small animal PET imaging using [11C]CO and [18F]choline (FCH) was performed on a random subset of four mice from each group to assess in vivo blood volume and choline metabolism, respectively. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of the p65 subunit of NF-kappa B was performed to determine its frequency and location in 97 human prostatectomy specimens. RESULTS: Constitutive NF-kappa B DNA binding was present in the CWR22Rv1 cell line and inhibited by parthenolide. Parthenolide induced a dose dependent inhibition of CWR22Rv1 proliferation: IC50 - MTT assay: 5 μM (48 hour exposure); clonogenic assay: 1 μM (24 hour exposure). The percent inhibition of tumor volume with each treatment arm compared with solvent control at days 22 and 28 of treatment were: parthenolide - 17 and 24%; docetaxel - 17 and 0%; combination −57 and 55% (combination versus control - p = 0.01). The relative blood volume, expressed as the ratio of tumor surface to muscle [11C]CO concentrations, was 1.31±0.73 for solvent control; 1.27±0.86 for parthenolide; 1.19±0.29 for docetaxel and 0.50±0.13 for the combination (combination vs. solvent control p = 0.04). FCH uptake was also significantly decreased in the combination group (control=1.15±0.10; combination=0.74±0.24, p=0.05). IHC of prostatectomy specimens: normal glands had 14.7% (Range: 0-50%) of cells stain for p65 compared with 79.2% (R: 0-95%) and 88.7% (R: 30-95%) of prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma areas respectively. CONCLUSION: NF-kappa B is constitutively active in prostate cancer cell lines and is over-expressed in neoplastic prostatic tissue versus normal prostate epithelium. Parthenolide can inhibit NF-kappa B DNA binding and cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Moreover, parthenolide has modest anti-cancer activity as a single agent in vivo but significantly augments the anti-cancer and anti-angiogenic activity of docetaxel in vivo. Supported by DOD and NIH.
Spinopelvic Instability in Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Complicated Case of Loeys-Dietz Syndrome.

Abstract A 53-year-old patient with a history of Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) presented with cutout after a right femoral neck fracture treated with a dynamic hip screw. This was treated with conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA), the second reported THA in a patient with LDS and the first in a post-traumatic reconstruction setting. The patient had 2 episodes of posterior hip dislocations within 2 weeks after the operation requiring a revision THA utilizing dual-mobility bearing to achieve stability. LDS is a connective-tissue disorder that is associated with joint hypermobility and spinal deformities, among other features. These factors can affect hip pathology, approaches to treatment, and outcomes. Patients with LDS should have a comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation and history such as those with Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, especially if undergoing THA. Further research on the implications of LDS on the hip and spine should be performed.
Rolling Railgun: A Lab Activity for Introductory Electromagnetism

We describe a laboratory exercise for an introductory calculus-based electricity and magnetism course in which students construct and study the performance of a “rolling railgun” formed by two smal...
The Golem In The Machine: FERPA, Dirty Data, and Digital Distortion in the Education Record

Like its counterpart in the criminal justice system, dirty data—data that is inaccurate, incomplete, and or misleading—in K-12 education records create and catalyze catastrophic life events. The presence of this data in any record suggests a lack of data integrity. The systemic problem of dirty data in education records means the data stewards of those records have failed to meet the data integrity requirements embedded in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA was designed to protect students and their education records from the negative impact of erroneous and misinformation rendered from the “private scribblings” of educators. The legislative history of FERPA indicates that legislators were concerned about the harm to students’ education and structure of opportunities based on misinformation in secret files created and kept in schools. Dirty data created, collected, and processed as accurate and reliable, notwithstanding the disproportionate impact of school discipline, on marginalized students in general, and Black children specifically, is exactly the kind of harm that FERPA was intended to prevent. This Article demonstrates (1) How educational inequities linked to dirty data violates FERPA and (2) How FERPA should be enhanced to prevent dirty data harms at the point of collection and creation. Additionally, this Article outlines the concept of dirty data and data integrity requirements embedded in FERPA and proceeds to examine the phenomenon of dirty data and student harm in historically marginalized students’ education records, starting at the point of creation and collection. While several Articles have examined the failure of FERPA, none of the prior scholarship has analyzed FERPA’s connection to dirty data in the education record related to racial discrimination. This Article introduces a two-step process that would require input validation in the educational record context through (1) substantive content and input validation and (2) a reasonable inference review. Additionally, this Article introduces an accounting of disclosures to law enforcement requirement.
Clinical Outcomes of Secondary Scleral-Sutured Foldable Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lens Placement by Trainees: A Single-Site Analysis.

Purpose To evaluate the outcomes of a 4-point scleral-fixated foldable Akreos AO60 intraocular lens (IOL) insertion using Gore-Tex suture performed by trainees under supervision of a single attending surgeon. Methods Retrospective chart review for 53 eyes of 50 patients whose surgery was performed by trainees under supervision of a single surgeon between 2015 and 2018 at a tertiary care hospital (Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Baltimore, MD). Indications for surgery, preoperative risk factors, and intraoperative techniques were analyzed. Outcome measures included final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in BCVA, difference between expected and final spherical equivalent (SE), and postoperative complications. Results Mean patient age was 62.8 years (range 26.9 to 88.4). The most common indication for surgery was IOL dislocation (59.6%) due to trauma in 21 cases (40.4%) and pseudoexfoliation in 6 (11.5%). Combined pars plana vitrectomy was performed simultaneously in 46 cases (88.5%). Mean BCVA improved from 20/100 to 20/40 (p < 0.001). The difference between expected and final SE was within 1.0 D in 28 cases (53.8%). Postoperative hypotony occurred in 12 eyes (21.2%) on day 1; all were resolved at last follow-up. Postoperative cystoid macular edema (CME) occurred in 20 cases (38.5%); 11 (21.2%) persisted through last follow-up. Conclusion Scleral-fixation of Akreos AO60 IOL in absence of capsular support can be performed by trainees under supervision and results in effective visual rehabilitation. Postoperative CME occurred at a higher rate than previously reported in the literature. Future studies should assess the rates of postoperative complications amongst different techniques of secondary IOL fixation performed by trainees to determine which is the safest.
A pituitary cup biopsy is more accurate than reamings for histological diagnosis of intramedullary lesions during nailing of impending and pathologic fractures: a retrospective matched cohort analysis

Histologic diagnosis of the lesion is important while intramedullary nailing of a pathologic or impending fracture of a long bone. A biopsy can be performed extramedullary using a targeted sampling device such as a pituitary rongeur or intramedullary from the bone removed from the reamer during preparation of the intramedullary canal. The purpose of this study is to compare a cup pituitary rongeur vs. a reaming biopsy from the intramedullary canal during the treatment of pathologic bone lesions with an intramedullary nail. An IRB approved retrospective case control study was performed on 46 consecutive patients who underwent an IMN for pathologic fracture or impending pathologic fracture with an obvious lytic lesion with a known metastatic primary. A laryngeal cup pituitary forceps’ rongeur was used in 25 patients and the intramedullary reamer as it passed the lesion was used in 21 patients. Histopathology reports were assessed for (1) adequacy of bone sample (defined as containing sufficient bone and marrow-derived tissue to allow complete histological analysis) and (2) tumor tissue diagnosis. A standard approach for IMN was used. Twenty-three of 25 cup biopsy cases (92%) had positive pathology that corresponded to the primary cancer. Eleven of 21 reaming cases (52.4%) had positive pathology that corresponded to the primary cancer (p = 0.0117). The use of an intramedullary cup biopsy forceps is better than reamings to diagnose pathological lesions of impending and pathological fractures in long bones caused by metastatic lesions.
Chloroplast Photoprotection and the Trade-Off Between Abiotic and Biotic Defense

This chapter places two key photoprotective processes in the chloroplast (thermal dissipation of excess excitation energy and removal of reactive oxygen species, ROS, by anti-oxidants) into the context of whole-leaf and whole-plant function in the environment. The emerging evidence for possible trade-offs between effects of altered thermal dissipation and/or anti-oxidation capacity on plant resistance to abiotic stresses (unfavorable physical conditions) versus biotic stresses (pests and pathogens) is summarized. We conclude that more research on this topic is urgently needed, especially for specific crop species and agriculturally relevant environments, including various combinations of multiple abiotic and biotic stresses. As an example of a key redox-signaling pathway impacted by thermal dissipation and/or anti-oxidation capacity, the formation of lipid-peroxidation-derived hormonal messengers of the oxylipin family, with critical roles in plant growth, development, and defenses, is discussed. The available evidence for specific effects of the capacities of thermal dissipation and/or anti-oxidation on sugar loading into foliar phloem conduits, sugar export from leaves, whole-plant growth rate, and plant biotic defenses is reviewed. Lastly, leaf responses to moderate versus massive ROS formation via multiple feedback loops are compared and contrasted.
Standardizing the selection of countries for benchmarking

This paper explores the use of a k-means cluster analysis for the selection of comparator countries in a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) growth diagnostic which is an important development planning tool. The approach's advantages include its ability to handle a large number of variables simultaneously, its relative speed and ease of use. The technique assigns clusters based on the Euclidean distance between observations. It permits the use of a wider set of selection criteria and thereby is more indicative of development status than those based solely on income or geographic proximity. Resumen. Este articulo examina el uso de un analisis de conglomerados de K-medias para la seleccion de paises de comparacion en un diagnostico de crecimiento de la Agencia de los Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID), el cual es una herramienta importante para la planificacion del desarrollo. Las ventajas del enfoque incluyen su capacidad para manejar simultaneamente un gran numero de variables, su velocidad relativa y su facilidad de uso. La tecnica asigna conglomerados en funcion de la distancia euclidea entre las observaciones. Permite ademas el uso de un conjunto mas amplio de criterios de seleccion y por lo tanto es mas indicativa del estado de desarrollo que las que se basan unicamente en los ingresos o la proximidad geografica.
Multi-configuration simulation algorithms for the evaluation of computer architecture designs

In computer architecture design, a number of candidate designs are simulated on representative workloads, and the most satisfactory design in terms of cost and performance is chosen. This simulation process is time-consuming, especially memory hierarchy simulation, and is a bottleneck in architectural design. In this thesis the multi-configuration simulation approach is adopted for speeding up the simulation process. This approach is based on the observation that the behavior of adjacent design configurations is largely similar, and that the similarity may be exploited to reduce simulation work; significant reductions in simulation time are obtained by a synergistic simulation of many design configurations. A suite of multi-configuration simulation algorithms is developed for memory hierarchy simulation. The suite includes (1) An algorithm for set-associative cache simulation based on a new data structure (the generalized binomial tree) which runs about two times faster than earlier algorithms. (2) An algorithm for direct mapped cache simulation based on a novel tag inclusion property which also gives a factor of two improvement over an earlier algorithm. (3) An innovative limited lookahead algorithm with stack repair for simulating the OPT replacement strategy in caches. (4) Novel multi-configuration simulation algorithms for write-buffers. A simulation package, Cheetah, based on these algorithms has been developed and used in the following modeling and optimization studies. First, a new model, the OPT model, is introduced for classifying cache misses. Unlike earlier models, the OPT model accounts for misses resulting from sub-optimal replacement policies used in practical caches. Experimental characterizations based on the OPT model of the cache misses occurring in the SPEC benchmarks are then presented. The results demonstrate that the replacement policy contributes to a significant fraction of cache misses. Second, the hit-miss and reuse behavior of individual load/store instructions of the SPEC benchmarks are profiled. The profiles show that a small number of instructions contribute to a large percentage of the misses. By scheduling the instructions that miss to hide latency, a factor of three improvement is demonstrated for loop-dominated code. By partially controlling cache replacement using the profile information on data reuse up to a 20% reduction in miss ratio is demonstrated.
Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is characterized by symptoms of bowel obstruction in the absence of a detectable physical blockage such as a tumor, adhesion, or region of inflammation …
Defining signal descriptor by fractional Fourier transform

A concrete application of the fractional Fourier transform for characterising the power spectrum of a signal obtained from an acousto-optic system is presented.
Comparative newborn anthropometric data in symmetric versus asymmetric intrauterine growth retardation

Abstract Autopsy studies have shown that the fetal liver is more severely affected than the brain in asymmetric fetal intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). This “brain-sparing” concept has led to the suggestion that ultrasonic measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD) are of limited value in detecting IUGR since the BPD is an indirect reflection of head and brain size. This study compares the effects of asymmetric and symmetric IUGR on newborn anthropometric measurements, including head circumference (HC), birth weight (BW), length (L), and ponderal index (PI) in 33 growth-retarded infants divided into two groups, asymmetric (uteroplacental failure) and symmetric (maternal smoking, drug exposure, congenital anomalies, intrauterine infection), on the basis of the etiology of the IUGR. The percentage reduction in size from mean values for the same gestational age was calculated for each parameter. None of the newborn parameters were useful in distinguishing between infants with asymmetric and those with symmetric IUGR. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the percentage decrease in HC was similar in both groups. Therefore, the concept of absolute “brain sparing” in asymmetric IUGR is erroneous, and ultrasonic measurements of BPD should be of value in detecting this form of IUGR.
Field studies of the storm event hydrologic response in an urbanizing watershed

[1] Dead Run is a 14.3 km2 urban drainage basin, which is a tributary to the Gwynns Falls, the principal study watershed of the Baltimore Ecosystem Study. Hydrologic response in urban watersheds is examined through analyses of rainfall and discharge observations from the Dead Run watershed during a 6 month period beginning in June of 2003. Rainfall variability for flash flood–producing storms in Dead Run can be quite large when viewed from a Euclidean perspective. When viewed from the perspective of a distance metric imposed by the drainage network of Dead Run, however, the spatial variability of rainfall is small. The drainage network structure diminishes the effects of spatial rainfall variability for storm event hydrologic response, resulting in Dead Run exhibiting striking uniformity of response to storms with contrasting spatial distribution of rainfall. There is large storm-to-storm variation in the event water balance of Dead Run. Variation is linked to antecedent soil moisture (from the pervious portion of the watershed underlain by urban soils), rainfall variability, and spatial heterogeneity of runoff production.
Filifactor alocis interactions with gingival epithelial cells

An association between the gram-positive anaerobe Filifactor alocis and periodontal disease has recently emerged; however, possible pathogenic mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study we examined the responses of primary cultures of gingival epithelial cells (GECs) to infection with F. alocis. Secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α from GECs was stimulated by F. alocis infection. F. alocis also induced apoptosis in GECs through pathways that involved caspase-3 but not caspase-9. Apoptosis was coincident with inhibition of MEK (MAPK kinase) activation. These results show that F. alocis has characteristics in common with established periodontal pathogens and has the potential to contribute to periodontal tissue destruction.
Early childhood predictors of mothers' and fathers' relationships with adolescents with developmental disabilities

Background The importance of positive parent- adolescent relationships is stressed in research on adolescents, although very little is known about this relationship when a teen has developmental disabili- ties (DD). We investigated the relationships of ado- lescents with disabilities with their mothers and their fathers in order to answer a number of ques- tions regarding these relationships. In particular, we asked: are there differences in the relationships of mothers and fathers with their adolescent with DD? Are there early childhood predictors of the parent-teen relationship and are those based on variables that are amenable to intervention? Finally, do these predictors differ for mothers and fathers? Methods This study focused on the relationships of 72 mothers and 53 fathers with their 15-year-old teens with DD and their predictors from the early childhood years. Data were collected from parents through interviews and self-administered question- naires, and from their children with disabilities through structured assessment when children were age 3 years and again at age 15 years. Results Analyses indicated that both mother-teen and father-teen relationships were predicted by earlier parenting stress. The father-teen relationship was also predicted by early behaviour problems, but this relation was mediated by parenting stress. Socio- economic status, type of disability and the child's level of functioning were not predictive of later rela- tionships between parents and teens. Mothers and fathers did not differ significantly in their reports of perceived positive relationships with their teens. Conclusions The findings from this study suggest two important points of potential intervention during the early intervention years. First, parenting assistance and support to reduce stress during the early childhood years can benefit both mothers and fathers. Second, helping families and children cope with and diminish problem behaviours is likely to yield multiple advantages for parents and children and deserves emphasis in early intervention and pre-school programmes.
MAVIS: a visual environment for active computer vision

MAVIS is a dataflow visual language for computer vision and image processing. It features a high degree of 'liveness' and compliance with user directives, providing a flexible environment for building and testing vision algorithms. MAVIS includes a number of features intended to support real-time or 'active' vision. Among these are flexible user and program control of communications and scheduling, direct user and program access to all computational and system parameters, and an inherently parallel model of computation that can be readily supported on a variety of computer architectures. This paper describes the goals of the MAVIS project, the design of the language and the status of the implementation. >
New Trends in Virtual Environment User Interface Research: Case Studies at the Human Interface Technology Laboratory

The user interface of the future characterizes itself as ubiquitous, transparent, collaborative, and networked. This outlook reflects a culture rapidly assimilating to the information infrastructure and connectivity provided by the World Wide Web. Virtual environment (VE) research has served as a foundation for this current view and is also challenged by the goals that such a vision presents. The demand for ubiquitous, transparent computing is a double edged sword to VE research. On one hand, mobile computing drives the development of wearable VE interfaces. However, ubiquitous computing stipulates that the computer be accessible everywhere in the user’s world. Since VE interfaces develop computer generated worlds to immerse the user in an artificial reality or augment the user’s world, such a requirement is counterpoint to the definition of a virtual interface display (Weiser, 1996). Transparent interfaces, on the other hand, are supported by VE research working toward the goal of producing natural interfaces that enhance the use of human modalities for human computer interaction.
Impact of transesophageal echocardiography on clinical management of patients over age 50 with cryptogenic stroke and normal transthoracic echocardiogram

BACKGROUND The utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) subsequent to a normal transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in older patients with an unexplained stroke is uncertain. METHODS Two hundred sixty-three consecutive patients over the age of 50 years hospitalized with a clinical stroke confirmed with brain magnetic resonance imaging and a normal TTE were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or any other causative reason for stroke were excluded. TEE was analyzed for findings that could explain the etiology of stroke as well as findings that would change therapy based on current guidelines. RESULTS Baseline characteristics included a mean age of 66.7 years (range, 50–91 years); 42.5% of patients were female. A possible etiology of stroke was discovered by TEE in 111 (42.2%) patients and included 1 or more of the following: complex plaque of the ascending aorta or arch, patent foramen ovale, atrial septal aneurysm, both atrial septal aneurysm and patent foramen ovale, or spontaneous contrast. Only 1 patient (0.4%) had a finding that changed immediate management, which was a thrombus in the left atrial appendage for which anticoagulation was prescribed. Follow-up was available at 6 months on 85 patients, of whom 13 (15%) had been discovered to have developed atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION In our study population, when performed subsequent to a normal TTE in patients aged >50 years with cryptogenic stroke, TEE demonstrated a high diagnostic value, but had minimal incremental effect on patient management. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Approximately N-representable density functional density matrices

For the first time, we obtain practical density matrices approximately N-representable by correlated-determinant wave functions, which are functionals of the electron density and entirely defined by information obtainable from the X-ray coherent diffraction experiment. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mechanisms of lidocaine actions on normal and abnormal rhythms in canine cardiac tissues in vivo and in vitro.

SUMMARY 1. The actions of lidocaine on cardiac pacemaker rhythms were studied in anaesthetized dogs and in Purkinje fibres from hearts of the same animals. 2. In vivo, lidocaine (1 mg/ kg, intravenously) slowed the sino-atrial (SA) node rhythm (– 5.0%), and (during vagal stimulation) prolonged ventricular standstill by + 25.1% and slowed the idioventricular rhythm (– 16.7%). A higher dose (4 mg/kg) had more pronounced effects. 3. Propranolol also slowed sinus (– 26.2%) and idioventricular (– 27.2%) rhythms, and prolonged ventricular standstill (+ 36.8%). In the presence of propranolol, the effects of lidocaine on idioventricular rhythm were exaggerated. 4. In Purkinje fibres driven in vitro, lidocaine (10 μmol/L) decreased contractile force (– 47.9%) and (during the interruption of drive) prolonged the suppression of (+ 53.2%) and slowed the escape rhythm (– 67.0%). 5. In the presence of lidocaine the threshold potential was shifted to less negative values and diastolic depolarization slope was decreased (– 23.6%). 6. Lidocaine slowed spontaneously active Purkinje fibres, abolished early afterdepolarizations in low [K]0 and slow responses in high [K]0 (by shifting the threshold to less negative values), and antagonized strophanthidin arrhythmias. 7. TTX reduced the hyperpolarization by lidocaine in low [K]0 and vice versa. 8. We conclude that lidocaine enhances vagally-induced ventricular standstill by depressing the idioventricular rhythm far more than the sinus rhythm, an action enhanced by beta-blockade. Furthermore, lidocaine depresses normal and different types of abnormal automaticity through direct and indirect effects of the blockade of the fast sodium channel.
A High-Speed K-Band Switch

A high-speed rotary three-way switch for 1.25 centimeter waves is described. An application for rapid scanning and performance characteristics are given.
He 3 Spin Diffusion in Dilute He 3 -He II Mixtures at Elevated Pressures in the Semiclassical Regime

Measurements of the spin-diffusion coefficient in dilute ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$-He II mixtures are presented. The thermodynamic parameters of the samples are varied within the following limits: $0.3\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}1.15$ \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, $\mathrm{saturated}\mathrm{vapor}\mathrm{pressure}\ensuremath{\le}P\ensuremath{\le}24$ atm, $0.322\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}\ensuremath{\le}{n}_{3}\ensuremath{\le}4.54\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ mole/${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$. It is shown that all samples considered are within the limits of the semiclassical regime. The data are analyzed by considering the reciprocal of the diffusion to be the sum of two parts: $\frac{1}{D}(T,P,{n}_{3})=\frac{1}{{D}_{3\ensuremath{\rho}}}(T,P)+\frac{1}{{D}_{33}}(T,P,{n}_{3})$, where $D(T,P,{n}_{3})$ is an experimental measurement at ($T,P,{n}_{3}$), ${D}_{3\ensuremath{\rho}}(T,P)$ is the ${n}_{3}$-independent spin diffusion of a ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ quasiparticle as limited by interactions with rotons, and ${D}_{33}(T,P,{n}_{3})$ is the spin diffusion of a ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ quasiparticle limited by interactions with other ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ quasiparticles. Since ${D}_{3\ensuremath{\rho}}$ is independent of ${n}_{3}$, and ${D}_{33}$ is shown to be proportional to ${n}_{3}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, a least-squares fit of the data to the above equation gives the experimentally determined values of ${D}_{3\ensuremath{\rho}}$ and ${D}_{33}$. A comparison of ${D}_{33}$ with the theoretical expression gives directly the moment of the effective ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$-${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ interaction measured by spin diffusion in the semiclassical regime: $〈V(k)〉{|}_{T,P}=A\ensuremath{\int}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}ak2}{k}^{3}{|V(\mathrm{bk})|}^{2}\mathrm{dk}$, where $A$, $a$, and $b$ are constants. The measurements are insufficient to determine $V(k)$ uniquely. Calculations using an assumed interaction (which reduces to the interaction used by Ebner at saturated vapor pressure) show a remarkable similarity to the experimental data.
Splicing into Senescence: The Curious Case of p16 and p19ARF

How can the consequences of inactivating p19ARF in the mouse, namely tumorigenesis and cellular immortalization, be reconciled with the compelling evidence derived from human cancers which points to p16, rather than p19ARF, as the critical target? There is certainly ample precedent for striking differences between mouse and human phenotypes, particularly with respect to cancer predisposition. However, given the functional consequences of disrupting p19ARF in the mouse, it would not be unreasonable to expect that its loss may contribute to the transformed phenotype in the many tumors with genomic deletions that span the p16-p19ARF locus (an argument that might be extended to p15 as well). While p16 may be the essential target for malignant transformation in a subset of human cancers, the loss of these adjacent genes may lead to additional phenotypes that may be better understood once their specific functional pathways have been defined.The pendulum now swings back to defining the specific role of p16 in the mouse. It is possible that disruption of exon 1α will have no phenotype, which would attribute cellular immortalization and tumor development uniquely to the loss of p19ARF, and leave us scrambling to explain yet another difference between mouse and man. Alternatively, specific disruption of p16 may lead to a phenotype similar to that reported following targeting of exon 2, since that exon is critical for p16 function and potentially dispensable for the mediation of cell cycle arrest by p19ARF (Quelle et al. 1997xQuelle, D.E., Cheng, M., Ashmun, R.A., and Sherr, C.J. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 1997; 94: 3436–3440CrossRef | PubMed | Scopus (152)See all ReferencesQuelle et al. 1997). The possibility that both p16 and p19ARF might play independent roles in the regulation of cell cycle progression and cellular senescence is particularly intriguing. Cell cycle arrest by p19ARF appears to be abolished in cells lacking p53, suggesting that it somehow acts upstream of p53 (Kamijo et al. 1997xKamijo, T., Zindy, F., Roussel, M.F., Quelle, D.E., Downing, J.R., Ashmun, R.A., Grosveld, G., and Sherr, C.J. Cell, this issue. 1997; 91: 649–659See all ReferencesKamijo et al. 1997). The exact mechanism by which p19ARF interacts with p53 is uncertain. Unlike the exclusive inactivation of p16 and RB, the observation that some tumors arising in p19ARF-null mice have mutations in p53 indicates that inactivation of these two genes is not functionally equivalent. Nonetheless, like RB the p53 pathway has been implicated in cell cycle progression and senescence. And here lies the most startling implication to emerge from the work of Kamijo and colleagues, the possibility that a single gene “p16-p19ARF” may reside at a crossroad of regulation for both RB and p53, through the use, unprecedented in mammalian cells, of overlapping distinct reading frames.
Sex differences in lung cancer incidence: A genetic model

Abstract Family histories pertaining to cancer of all anatomic sites were ascertained on 88 Caucasian patients (61 males, 27 females) with histologically verified lung cancer. Lifetable analysis revealed that relatives of female probands had a significantly higher risk for cancer (all sites) at younger ages (p
Identification of an Inhibitory Domain of CTP:Phosphocholine Cytidylyltransferase

The function of the putative amphipathic helices between residues 236 and 314 of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase was examined by constructing two truncation mutants; CT314 was missing the entire phosphorylation segment, whereas CT236 was missing both the region with the putative amphipathic helices and the phosphorylation segment. Stable cells lines expressing these truncation mutants in Chinese hamster ovary 58 cells were isolated and characterized. CT314 was predominantly soluble in control cells but became membrane-associated in cells treated with oleate, which also causes translocation of wild-type cytidylyltransferase. CT236 was found to be soluble both in control cells and in cells treated to cause translocation. These results strongly suggest that the membrane-binding site is located within residues 237-314. When assayed for activity in vitro, the mutant forms were catalytically active in the presence of exogenous lipids. CT236, moreover, was as active in the absence of lipids as in their presence, whereas CT314 required lipids for activity. The rate of phosphatidylcholine synthesis in cells expressing CT236 was considerably higher than in wild-type cells, consistent with the enzyme being constitutively active in the cells. These results indicate that residues 237-314 constitute an inhibitory segment; when this segment is removed from the catalytic domain by truncation or by binding to membranes, an inhibitory constraint is removed and cytidylyltransferase is activated.
In vitro propagation of Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae isolated from Amblyomma maculatum.

Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae was identified during an investigation of a febrile outbreak in northwestern Peru (2002). DNA sequencing from two ticks (Amblyomma maculatum, Ixodes boliviensis) collected during the investigation revealed a novel Rickettsia agent with similarity to the spotted fever group rickettsiae. Since then, Candidatus R. andeanae has been detected in A. maculatum ticks collected in the southeastern and southcentral United States, Argentina, and Peru. To date, Candidatus R. andeanae has not been successfully cultivated in the laboratory. We present evidence for the continuous cultivation in three cell lines of Candidatus R. andeanae isolated from an A. maculatum tick (Portsmouth, Virginia).