cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Evaluation of a COVID-19 Antibody Lateral Flow Assay using Point of Care Samples

ABSTRACT Introduction The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has spurred the development of numerous point of care (PoC) immunoassays. Assessments of performance of available kits are necessary to determine their clinical utility. Previous studies have mostly performed these assessments in a laboratory setting, which raises concerns of translating findings for PoC use. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a lateral flow immunoassay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using samples collected at PoC. Method One lateral flow immunoassay (Humasis® COVID-19 IgG/IgM) was tested. In total, 50 PCR RT-PCR positive and 52 RT-PCR negative samples were collected at PoC. Fifty serum specimens from Dec 2018 to Feb 2019 were used as controls for specificity. Serum samples collected between Dec 2019 to Feb 2020 were used as additional comparators. Clinical data including symptom onset date was collected from patient history and the medical record. Results The overall sensitivity for the kit was 74% (95% CI: 59.7% -85.4%). The sensitivity for IgM and IgG detection >14 days after date of onset was 88% (95% CI: 68.8% -97.5%) and 84% (95% CI: 63.9% – 95.5%), with a negative predictive value (NPV) of 94% for IgM (95% CI: 83.5% - 98.8%) and 93% for IgG (95% CI: 81.8% - 97.9%). The overall specificity was 94% (95% CI: 83.5% - 98.8%). The Immunoglobulin specific specificity was 94% for IgM (95% CI: 83.5% - 98.8%) and 98% for IgG (95% CI: 89.4% - 100.0%), with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88% for IgM (95% CI: 68.8% - 97.5%) and 95% for IgG (95% CI: 77.2% - 99.9%) respectively for samples collected from patients >14 days after date of onset. Specimen collected during early phase of COVID-19 pandemic (Dec 2019 to Feb 2020) showed 11.8% antibody positivity, and 11.3% of PCR-negative patients demonstrated antibody positivity. Discussion Humasis® COVID-19 IgG/IgM LFA demonstrates greater than 90% PPV and NPV for samples collected 14 days after the onset of symptoms using samples collected at PoC. While not practical for the diagnosis of acute infection, the use of the lateral flow assays with high specificity may have utility for determining seroprevalence or seroconversion in longitudinal studies.
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9: Functional Role in Lipid Metabolism and Its Therapeutic Inhibition

Proprotein convertase/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is produced and secreted by hepatocytes. Once in the extracellular milieu, PCSK9 can bind to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and regulates its cell surface expression. PCSK9 functions as a chaperone molecule. Though much remains to be elucidated about how PCSK9 orchestrates the intracellular routing of LDL-LDLR complexes within the cell, it is clear that PCSK9 promotes the entry of LDL-LDLR complexes into the lysosome where they are proteolytically catabolized. PCSK9 also regulates the expression of a number of other lipoprotein receptors, such as the apoE2 receptor, the VLDL receptor, the LDLR related protein 1, the fatty acid transport protein CD 36, and possibly the pathway (yet to be defined) for lipoprotein(a) clearance. Because it downregulates LDLR, PCSK9 reduces hepatocyte LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) clearance capacity. Persons with gain-of-function mutations in PCSK9 have increased serum levels of LDL-C and increased risk for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Persons with loss-of-function mutations in PCSK9 have reduced serum LDL-C and proportionately lower risk for ASCVD. The inhibition of PCSK9 with monoclonal antibodies or with antisense oligonucleotides directed against its mRNA has revolutionized the management of dyslipidemia. Either used as monotherapies or in combination with statins and other lipid-lowering drugs, the inhibition of PCSK9 allows for reductions in serum LDL-C to levels not previously thought possible. The reduction of pCSK9 availability dramatically increases hepatocyte cell surface expression of LDLR. The inhibition of PCSK9 has been shown to be safe and highly efficacious. Prospective, randomized outcomes trails with evolocumab and alirocumab demonstrate the capacity to reduce risk for myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina. In addition to their role in managing primary hyperlipidemia, the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies have also been shown to be highly efficacious in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia and have the capacity to reduce rates of atherosclerotic plaque progression and induce plaque regression in the coronary tree.
A Model for Prepositioning Emergency Relief Items Before a Typhoon with an Uncertain Trajectory

Problem definition: We study the problem faced by the Philippine Department of Social Welfare (DSWD) in prepositioning relief items before landfall of an oncoming typhoon whose future outcome (traj...
The Keokuk County Rural Health Study: Preliminary Results of Environmental Exposure Assessments

The Keokuk County Rural Health Study is a unique, population-based, prospective study of an agricultural community. The study is expected to continue for twenty years. The research includes systematic assessment of respiratory disease, injury, and other health outcomes in relation to agricultural, occupational, and envi56ronmental exposures. The aims of the environmental surveys are: (1) to conduct a systematic assessment of rural households in order to characterize the environmental exposures associated with the residences and properties of the study subjects comparing farm, rural non-farm, and town households; and (2) to characterize occupational exposures associated with activities of the study subjects, particularly those related to farming and the rural environment. The environmental surveys consist of a combination of personal interviews, walk-through observations, and measurement of a selected number of environmental parameters. The focus of these assessments is on the environment and operations of the household and farm. Four instruments are used to record data: a Home Environmental Questionnaire; a Home/Grounds Environmental Checklist; a Farm Environmental Questionnaire; and a Farm Environmental Checklist. Preliminary results from the first 106 environmental assessments are described, including the first 26 farms. More than half of residences were built before 1950, and they are primarily heated with liquid propane gas, natural gas, or wood. Dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide were measured in several homes during winter 1995/96. Only 77 of 148 smoke detectors functioned. Farms ranged from 7 to 1,600 acres, with a mean of 324 acres. Eleven raised swine in enclosed systems. The average age of tractors in use was 26 years. Twenty-eight percent of all tractors had cabs, 25% had ROPS, and 39% had PTO shields. [Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: getinfo@haworth.com]
Effects of Scheduling on Sleep and Performance in Commercial Motorcoach Operations

Maintaining cognitive alertness during commercial motorcoach operations is important for drivers as they are responsible for preventing, detecting, and managing errors. Schedules that do not follow circadian and homeostatic sleep principles may contribute to fatigue related events and accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has hoursof-service (HOS) regulations in place that allow motorcoach operators to work backwardly rotating 18-23 hour duty cycles (a duty cycle being the sum of HOS mandated on and off duty periods), requiring progressively earlier start times. Such schedules do not allow for sufficient and appropriately placed rest periods, resulting in fatigue and decreased performance. This study will investigate the effect of scheduling on sleep and performance in motorcoach operators. We are collecting objective and subjective data on sleep and performance of motorcoach drivers working under the current HOS regulations to observe the prevalence of circadian friendly and mismatched schedules, and the impact work schedules have on sleep and performance. This article describes the study design and methodology.
Reduction of Campylobacter jejuni colonization of chicks by cecum-colonizing bacteria producing anti-C. jejuni metabolites.

Cecum-colonizing bacteria were isolated from Campylobacter jejuni-free White Leghorn (Gallus domesticus) laying hens and screened for the ability to produce anti-C. jejuni metabolites. Nine isolates were obtained that possessed this characteristic. The peroral administration of the nine isolates as a mixture (ca. 10(9) per chick) to 1-day-old chicks was followed 1 week later by peroral inoculation of Campylobacter jejuni (ca. 10(9) per chick) to determine if the cecal isolates could protect chicks from colonization by campylobacters. The nine-strain mixture of cecal bacteria provided from 41 to 85% protection from C. jejuni colonization. The protective bacteria were reduced to a mixture of three strains on the basis of their ability to utilize mucin as a sole substrate for growth. These strains included Klebsiella pneumoniae 23, Citrobacter diversus 22, and Escherichia coli (O13:H-) 25. Four feeding trials with this three-strain mixture provided from 43 to 100% (average, 78%) protection from C. jejuni colonization. The dominant cecal bacterium of chicks treated with the three-strain mixture was consistently E. coli O13:H-. Similarly, three trials with only E. coli 25 used as the protective bacterium resulted in 49 to 72% (average, 59%) protection from C. jejuni colonization, with E. coli O13:H- being the dominant cecal bacterium in all cases. Although not completely effective, E. coli 25 substantially reduced the incidence of C. jejuni colonization of chicks. For all trials, fewer C. jejuni were present in the ceca of colonized chicks receiving the protective bacteria before exposure to C. jejuni than in chicks receiving only C. jejuni.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Images
Chapter 12 Silicon sources for agriculture

Characteristics of an acceptable silicon (Si) source are: a high content of soluble-Si, physical properties conducive to mechanized application, ready availability, and low cost. Since Si is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust, finding sources of Si is easy. But, Si is always combined with other elements and most sources are insoluble. Responses of crops to soluble-Si applications in sands (largely SiO 2 ) provide an example of the insolubility of one source. Slags, by-products from the processing of iron and alloy industries, have been utilized quite extensively. Their concentrations and solubility of Si and their contents of other elements vary widely. For a given source, solubility is indirectly related to particle size. A few sources are soluble, but too costly for general use. Potassium silicate is used in nutriculture for disease control in some high value crops. Sodium silicate and silica gel have also been used to supply Si in research and high value crops. Calcium silicates have emerged as the most important sources for soil applications. Of those, calcium meta -silicate (wollasonite, CaSiO 3 ) has been the most effective source in many locations with low concentrations of soluble-Si in soils. Such a material, supplied as a slag by-product from the high temperature electric furnace production of elemental P, is applied extensively to Everglades mucks and associated sands planted to sugarcane and rice. Thermo-phosphate, a commercial fertilizer used in Brazil to supply P, Ca, and Mg, also supplies soluble-Si due to high temperature manufacturing process effects on its magnesium silicate ingredient.
Inverse scattering computations for stratified media problems using massively parallel computers

The general nonlinear inverse scattering problem for the one-dimensional stratified dielectric problem is considered. The authors consider a solution procedure which is statistical, in that random starting points are used, but which does not permit jumps out of local valleys. The approach taken is to explore a massively parallel iterative method for obtaining solutions to the one-dimensional stratified dielectric problem, where in the simplest case the system is assumed lossless. The approach taken is to validate the technique using simple structures and algorithms, to enable straightforward experimental verification. Implementation wit the MasPar parallel supercomputer is discussed, and some results are presented. >
Heat Shock Protein 90 Is Critical for Regulation of Phenotype and Functional Activity of Human T Lymphocytes and NK Cells

The 90-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90) has become an important therapeutic target with ongoing evaluation in a number of malignancies. Although Hsp90 inhibitors have a high therapeutic index with limited effects on normal cells, they have been described to inhibit dendritic cell function. However, its effect on human immune effector cells may have significant clinical implications, but remains unexplored. In this study, we have evaluated the effects of Hsp90 inhibition on human T lymphocyte and NK cells, including their Ag expression, activation, proliferation, and functional activities. These studies demonstrate that Hsp90 inhibition irreversibly downregulates cell surface expression of critical Ags (CD3, CD4, CD8), the costimulatory molecule (CD28, CD40L), and αβ receptors on T lymphocytes, as well as activating receptors (CD2, CD11a, CD94, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, KARp50.3) on NK cells. Hsp90 inhibition significantly reduced CD4 protein expression on T lymphocytes at both the cell surface and intracellular level, which was shown to be associated with aberrant regulation of Src-kinase p56Lck. Downregulation of the Ags triggered by Hsp90 inhibition on CD3+ T lymphocytes, both in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, was associated with a disruption in their cellular activation, proliferation, and/or IFN-γ production, when the inhibition occurred either in activated or inactivated cells. In addition, downregulation of key activating receptors on NK cells following Hsp90 inhibition resulted in decreased cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Therefore, these observations demonstrate the need to closely monitor immune function in patients being treated with a Hsp90 inhibitor and may provide a potential therapeutic application in autoimmune diseases.
Fairness and Risk in Stockton: Pensions, Bonds, and Taxes -- When Doing Nothing is Doing Well

Until very recently the political story line of municipal Chapter 9 bankruptcy has seen it deployed as a means to address unfunded public employee pension obligations. The reality has always been more complex but with the filings of Stockton and now Detroit the question of pensions vs. bonds has come to center stage. If the creditors cannot agree on a plan of adjustment, it can be crammed down but cramdown under Chapter 9 requires that the plan be "fair and equitable." If a municipality pursues this route to confirmation, courts will need to resolve three questions.Do preferences created by state law control bankruptcy distributions?Can a plan of adjustment that prefers retirees (or bondholders) be crammed down over the objection of the impaired class?If the answer to the second question might be no, could a municipality move assume its collective bargaining agreements subject to only the business judgment rule to avoid battling over fairness at confirmation?This working paper suggests that each question should be answered in the negative. Notwithstanding the Tenth Amendment, when a state permits its cities to file, it loses control. "In for a penny, in for a pound." If my conclusions are correct -- and even if they only may be correct -- all parties have an incentive to negotiate to a consensual plan.Dismissal is the appropriate remedy for an nonconsensual, unfair plan and the threat of sending everyone back to state court and state law remedies should be a sufficient penalty to encourage settlement.Comments, suggestions, and criticisms are actively solicited.
Henry's Law

William Henry (1774–1836) established the fundamental relationship to define the partitioning of a soluble (or partially soluble) chemical species between gas and liquid phases, at equilibrium, in a dilute aqueous solution. Three main limitations must be considered when applying Henry's law: (1) the state of equilibrium, (2) the solute concentration, and (3) the veracity of using standard data for calculations in contaminated water systems. The application of Henry's law is limited to cases where chemical equilibrium has been reached in a dilute solution (< 1% solute concentration). However, the concentrations of most water constituents are normally less than 1%, so the application of Henry's law is typically valid. Keywords: Henry's law; Henry's law constant; gas solubility; gas–liquid equilibrium; partial pressure; ideal gas; fate of volatile contaminants
In Vivo Regeneration of Insulin-Producing β-Cells

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus are considered to be caused by defective control of blood glucose resulting from a reduced β-cell mass. Thus, the restoration of a functional β-cell mass by replacing the damaged β-cells or stimulating β-cell regeneration is a logical approach for the treatment of diabetes. Strategies for increasing the β-cell mass include stimulating β-cell replication and differentiation and inhibiting β-cell death. Treatment with various growth factors such as GLP-1, BTC, HGF, and EGF and forced expression of β-cell transcription factors such as Pdx-1, NeuroD, and MafA resulted in the regeneration of β-cells in vivo. Another approach is the administration of stem/progenitor cells, which can differentiate into insulin-producing cells. However, there are no satisfactory methods yet for clinical application. Understanding the mechanisms of the regenerative process of pancreatic β-cells will pave the way for the development of regenerative medicine for treatment of diabetes.
First-order inflation.

I discuss the most recent—and in my opinion—most attractive model of inflation. In first-order inflation the inflationary epoch is associated with a first-order phase transition, with the most likely candidate being GUT symmetry breaking. The transition from the false-vacuum, inflationary phase to the true-vacuum, radiation-dominated phase proceeds through the nucleation and percolation of true-vacuum bubbles. The first successful—and simplest—model of first-order inflation, extended inflation, is discussed in some detail: evolution of the cosmic-scale factor, reheating, density perturbations, and the production of gravitational waves both from quantum fluctuations and bubble collisions. Particular attention is paid to the most critical issue in any model of first-order inflation: the requirements on the nucleation rate to ensure a graceful transition from the inflationary phase to the radiation-dominated phase.
Knowledge and attitude towards emergency contraception among medical doctors in Delta State

Background: Emergency contraception (EC) has a definite place in family planning in most populations but physicians' attitude has been shown to greatly influence the utilization and spread of this method hence this study. Study Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge and attitude of doctors in Delta State towards emergency contraception as an impact factor in the spread of this globally accepted contraceptive method in our environment. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study using a structured questionnaire randomly administered to doctors while attending continuous medical education (CME) programs in the state. Results: Responses from 249 doctors merited analysis. A total of 192 respondents (77.1%) were males while 57 (22.9%) were females. Only 112 respondents (45%) correctly defined EC. Thirty-five doctors (14.1%) could not name any contraceptive methods that are suitable for EC. Ninety-three doctors (37.3%) could identify only one method, 76 doctors (30.5%) knew two, 42 doctors (16.9%) knew three and only 3 doctors (1.2%) knew four methods. A total of 187 respondents (75.1%) said EC is effective but only 133 (53.4%) thought that EC is safe. Only 123 doctors (49.4%) knew that ECs are applicable up to 72 hours after an unprotected sexual intercourse. Eighty doctors (32.1%) felt EC can be dispensed over-the-counter (OTC) without a physician's prescription while 129 (57.8%) would not support such a policy. Conclusion: Despite poor knowledge of the definition, applicable methods and other intricate details about ECs, doctors in the state were favorably disposed to the promotion and controlled use of EC and majority would not support religious bias against their use.
A generalized basis function framework for integral and differential equations in electromagnetics

The development of appropriate basis functions and their application to the solution of integral and differential equation has been a topic of continuous research for the past two decades. Hierarchial basis functions that provide h-, p-, and hp- convergence is now the state of the art. However, all these basis function spaces have been designed such that they closely rely on the definitions of the underlying tesselation. Recent efforts have focused on the development of function spaces that remove this tight inter-relationship. Examples of this from the finite element community are the meshless methods-EFG, Point Clouds, Generalized finite elements (GFEM), etc. In this paper, we will present a unified framework for both integral and differential equations that build upon the GFEM framework and is specialized to vector functions. The paper (and the conference presentation) will will briefly describe the development of a class of basis functions for both differential and integral equations, and demonstrate some of the advantages offered by these classes of basis functions. These include seamlessly mixing different types and orders of basis functions as well as its flexibility in the handling non-conformal discretization of scatterers.
Effect of cellular telephone conversations and other potential interference on reaction time in a braking response

This experiment studied the effect of phone conversations and other potential interference on reaction time (RT) in a braking response. Using a laboratory station which simulated the foot activity in driving, 22 research participants were requested to release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal as quickly as possible following the activation of a red brake lamp. Mean reaction time was determined for five conditions: (a) control, (b) listening to a radio, (c) conversing with a passenger, (d) conversing using a hand-held phone, and (e) conversing using a hands-free phone. Results indicated that conversation, whether conducted in-person or via a cellular phone caused RT to slow, whereas listening to music on the radio did not.
The Visible Spectro-Polarimeter (ViSP) for the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope

The Visible Spectro-Polarimeter (ViSP) is one of the first light instruments for the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST). It is an echelle spectrograph designed to measure three different regions of the solar spectrum in three separate focal planes simultaneously between 380 and 1600nm. It will use the polarimetric capabilities of the ATST to measure the full Stokes parameters across the line profiles. By measuring the polarization in magnetically sensitive spectral lines the magnetic field vector as a function of height in the solar atmosphere, along with the associated variation of the thermodynamic properties can be obtained. The ViSP will have a spatial resolution of 0.04 arc seconds over a 2 minute field of view (at 600nm). The minimum resolving power for all the focal planes is 180,000. The spectrograph supports up to 5 diffraction gratings and is fully automated to allow for rapid reconfiguration.
A global progressive register allocator

This paper describes a global progressive register allocator, a register allocator that uses an expressive model of the register allocation problem to quickly find a good allocation and then progressively find better allocations until a provably optimal solution is found or a preset time limit is reached. The key contributions of this paper are an expressive model of global register allocation based on multicommodity network flows that explicitly represents spill code optimization, register preferences, copy insertion, and constant rematerialization; two fast, but effective, heuristic allocators based on this model; and a more elaborate progressive allocator that uses Lagrangian relaxation to compute the optimality of its allocations. Our progressive allocator demonstrates code size improvements as large as 16.75% compared to a traditional graph allocator. On average, we observe an initial improvement of 3.47%, which increases progressively to 6.84% as more time is permitted for compilation.
9.1.3 Organizational Strategies for Systems Engineering Capability Improvement

There is an increased focus on systems engineering as the key to mission success within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The agency has embraced a systems engineering excellence initiative to enhance the capabilities of systems engineering across the agency. This paper addresses some of the organizational steps that are being taken at the Goddard Space Flight Center to improve the systems engineering capability in support of the Center's programs and projects.
Definitions of tremor.

In their Grand Rounds article, Drs Elias and Shah1 defined tremor “as a rhythmic and involuntary movement of any body part.” They listed dystonic tremors but noted that these are irregular (not rhythmic), and they excluded clonus, which is a rhythmic and involuntary movement.
The role of the glia limitans in ADP-induced pial arteriolar relaxation in intact and ovariectomized female rats

We examined whether the glia limitans (GL) influences pial arteriolar relaxation elicited in vivo by the purinergic (P2Y1 receptor) agonist ADP in female rats, and whether that influence is altered...
The impacts of Mg2+ on strontium phosphate: A preliminary study

Abstract This work is a preliminary attempt to evaluate the effects of adding magnesium (Mg) on the properties of nanocrystalline strontium phosphates (SrP). A series of Sr containing phosphates nanospheres were synthesized using a microwave assisted technique. The as-prepared nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that incorporation of Mg 2+ into SrP can significantly change its crystallinity and physical features. The in vitro degradation study shows the presence of Mg 2+ in SrP system can accelerate degradation of materials. The cytocompatibility study indicates Mg 2+ can reduce the toxicity of excessive Sr 2+ to osteoblast cells.
Effect of Exenatide on Splanchnic and Peripheral Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

This study further advances our knowledge about the mechanisms and timing by which exenatide attenuates postprandial hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes.
Oriented Single-Crystal Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopy of [Fe(TPP)(MI)(NO)]: Quantitative Assessment of the trans Effect of NO

This paper presents oriented single-crystal Nuclear Resonance Vibrational Spectroscopy (NRVS) data for the six-coordinate (6C) ferrous heme-nitrosyl model complex [57Fe(TPP)(MI)(NO)] (1; TPP2− = tetraphenylporphyrin dianion; MI = 1-methylimidazole). The availability of these data enables for the first time the detailed simulation of the complete NRVS data, including the porphyrin-based vibrations, of a 6C ferrous heme-nitrosyl, using our quantum chemistry centered normal coordinate analysis (QCC-NCA). Importantly, the Fe−NO stretch is split by interaction with a porphyrin-based vibration into two features, observed at 437 and 472 cm−1. The 437 cm−1 feature is strongly out-of-plane (oop) polarized and shows a 15N18O isotope shift of 8 cm−1 and is therefore assigned to ν(Fe−NO). The admixture of Fe−N−O bending character is small. Main contributions to the Fe−N−O bend are observed in the 520−580 cm−1 region, distributed over a number of in-plane (ip) polarized porphyrin-based vibrations. The main component, ...
Correlation between BRAF mutation and promoter methylation of TIMP3, RARβ2 and RASSF1A in thyroid cancer

Our aim was to comprehensively analyze promoter hypermethylation of a panel of novel and known methylation markers for thyroid neoplasms and to establish their relationship with BRAF mutation and clinicopathologic parameters of thyroid cancer. A cohort of thyroid tumors, consisting of 44 cancers and 44 benign thyroid lesions, as well as 15 samples of adjacent normal thyroid tissue, was evaluated for BRAF mutation and promoter hypermethylation. Genes for quantitative methylation specific PCR (QMSP) were selected by a candidate gene approach. Twenty-two genes were tested: TSHR, RASSF1A, RARβ2, DAPK, hMLH1, ATM, S100, p16, CTNNB1, GSTP1, CALCA, TIMP3, TGFsR2, THBS1, MINT1, CTNNB1, MT1G, PAK3, NISCH, DCC, AIM1 and KIF1A. The PCR-based "mutector assay" was used to detect BRAF mutation. All p values reported are two sided. Considerable overlap was seen in the methylation markers among the different tissue groups. Significantly higher methylation frequency and level were observed for KIF1A and RARs2 in cancer samples compared with benign tumors. A negative correlation between BRAF mutation and RASSF1A methylation, and a positive correlation with RARs2 methylation were observed in accordance with previous results. In addition, positive correlation with TIMP3 and a marginal correlation with DCC methylation were observed. The present study constitutes a comprehensive promoter methylation profile of thyroid neoplasia and shows that results must be analyzed in a tissue-specific manner to identify clinically useful methylation markers. Integration of genetic and epigenetic changes in thyroid cancer will help identify relevant biologic pathways that drive its development.
Dioxin treatment of rats results in increased in vitro induction of sister chromatid exchanges by ?-naphthoflavone: An animal model for human exposure to halogenated aromatics

Abstract Recent reports have shown that α-naphthoflavone (α-NF) in vivo enhances the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) frequency in lymphocytes from human populations exposed to cigarette smoke or polychlorinated biphenyls and dibenzofurans. In this study, female Sprague-Dawley rats (9–11 weeks old) were administered a single oral dose of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and killed 6 days after treatment. Blood cultures were established with or without α-NF. The baseline and α-NF-induced SCE frequencies were assessed in lymphocytes after a 72-hr culture period. No effect on the SCE baseline frequency (cultures without α-NF) was detected in rats exposed to 0–30 μg TCDD/kg. However, the SCE frequencies from cultures incubated in the presence of α-NF were significantly higher in lymphocytes from rats treated with TCDD. Moreover, ΔSCE values (SCEα-NF minus SCEbaseline) were significantly higher in lymphocytes from rats treated with TCDD than in controls. A dose-dependent increase in ΔSCE values was observed between 0 and 3 μg TCDD/kg, followed by a plateau at higher doses. This induction pattern closely resembled the induction of the liver microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity by TCDD. In contrast to TCDD, phenobarbital treatment of rats (75 mg/kg/day) had no effect on α-NF-induced SCE frequencies in lymphocytes. Liver microsomes from TCDD-treated rats metabolized α-NF at a rate much faster than that of control microsomes. These studies indicate that TCDD-exposed rats provide a useful model to investigate the mechanism of enhanced in vitro induction of SCE frequency in lymphocytes from humans exposed to toxic halogenated aromatics or cigarette smoke.
Incidence and predictors of large-artery complication (aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and/or large-artery stenosis) in patients with giant cell arteritis: a population-based study over 50 years.

Objective To determine the incidence and predictors of large-artery complication (aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and/or large-artery stenosis) in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods The cohort of all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, in whom GCA was diagnosed between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1999, was followed up. The incidence of aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and large-artery stenosis was determined. Possible predictors and correlates of large-artery complication were assessed. Results Forty-six incident cases of large-artery complication (representing 27% of the 168 patients in the cohort) were identified. These included 30 incident cases (18%) of aortic aneurysm and/or aortic dissection. Of these cases, 18 (11%) involved the thoracic aorta, with aortic dissection developing in 9 (5%). There were 21 incident cases (13%) of large-artery stenosis. Fifteen patients (9%) had incident cervical artery stenosis, and 6 (4%) had incident subclavian/axillary/brachial artery stenosis. One patient (0.6%) had incident iliac/femoral artery stenosis attributable to GCA. Hyperlipidemia and coronary artery disease were associated with aortic aneurysm and/or dissection (P < 0.05 for both). Cranial symptoms (headache, scalp tenderness, abnormal temporal arteries) were negatively associated with large-artery stenosis (hazard ratio [HR] 0.10 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.03–0.35, P < 0.0005]), as was a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (HR 0.80 [95% CI 0.67–0.95, P < 0.05] per 10 mm/hour). Conclusion Large-artery complication is common in GCA. Increased awareness of large-artery complication in GCA, particularly early-occurring aortic dissection, may decrease associated mortality.
Why All Counter-Evidence to the Critical Period Hypothesis in Second Language Acquisition Is not Equal or Problematic

That adult and child language acquisitions differ in route and outcome is observable. Notwithstanding, there is controversy as to what this observation means for the Critical Period Hypothesis’ (CPH) application to adult second language acquisition (SLA). As most versions of the CPH applied to SLA claim that differences result from maturational effects on in-born linguistic mechanisms, the CPH has many implications that are amendable to empirical investigation. To date, there is no shortage of literature claiming that the CPH applies or does not apply to normal adult SLA. Herein, I provide an epistemological discussion on the conceptual usefulness of the CPH in SLA (cf. Singleton 2005) coupled with a review of Long's (2005) evaluation of much available relevant research. Crucially, I review studies that Long did not consider and conclude differently that there is no critical/sensitive period for L2 syntactic and semantic acquisition.
Effects of insulin in the toadfish, Opsanus tau.

Intravenous administration of glucose (0.5 g/kg) to toadfish (Opsanus tau) produced a rise in blood glucose concentration with a return to normal levels by 6 hours. Insulin caused a reduction in glucose concentration in fish caught in the fall but not in the early summer. Fish force-fed protein for 4 days had a significantly higher level of serum immunoreactive insulin than did fasted controls, but there was no change in glucose concentration. Insulin accelerated disappearance of U-14C glucose from the blood and increased incorporation of glucose carbon label into muscle protein and glycogen. In vitro experiments also showed that insulin stimulated labeled glucose uptake into muscle glycogen. Experiments with glycine-2-14C revealed that insulin accelerated glycine incorporation into skeletal muscle protein and lipid. These findings suggest that one of the prime effects of insulin is on the incorporation of glucose and amino acids into skeletal muscle, glycogen, and protein, and that these fish have a good homeostatic mechanism for the regulation of blood glucose concentration which appears to be relatively independent of insulin levels.
Experimenting with Diasporic Incorporation: The Overseas Citizenship of India

In response to economic needs after the 1991 reforms, India instituted a diaspora policy that extracted emigrants’ material wealth in exchange for cultural capital. Increasingly caught between mounting diasporic demands for the extension of dual citizenship and domestic apprehensions hostile to such a provision, the Indian government was forced to compromise by creating the Overseas Citizenship of India. This article argues that, beyond mere contingency and dependence on the existing repertoire of national membership, this novel form of limited citizenship is also the result of a deliberate governmental strategy to assuage more activist segments of the diaspora.
Reply to "Comment on 'Mechanism of the electric-field effect in the high-Tc cuprates' "

In response to the preceding Comment the mechanism of the electric-field effect in the high-{ital T}{sub {ital c}} cuprates is discussed. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Tp63 in Oral Development, Neoplasia, and Autoimmunity

The Tp63 gene encodes for multiple isoforms of the p63 transcription factor, a member of the p53 family of proteins. Much like its more famous sibling, the biological role of p63 is quite complex, with wide-ranging effects on development, differentiation, and cellular lineage choices. The crucial function of p63 is epitomized by the striking phenotype of p63 knockout mice. These animals have a profound block in the development of stratified epithelia and aplasia of multiple ectodermal appendages, as well as orofacial clefting and limb defects. Remarkably, a similar spectrum of phenotypic alterations is observed in human syndromes resulting from Tp63 gene mutations. p63 is an important hub in the transcriptional and signaling networks of epithelial cells; thus, it is not surprising that dysregulation of this transcription factor is associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, as a testament to the growing repertoire of p63-associated diseases, autoantibodies to p63 are associated with chronic ulcerative stomatitis, an oral immunologically mediated disease. Over the past decade, our understanding of the broad biologic and pathophysiological roles of p63 has grown significantly. In this review, we discuss the molecular attributes of Tp63 and the clinical consequences of Tp63 dysregulation, particularly as it pertains to oral tissues.
The i–V response of an electrochemical cell comprising two polarizable microelectrodes and the influence of impurities on the cell response

Abstract The steady-state i–V behavior of an electrochemical cell comprising two polarizable Au microelectrodes in a mixed redox solution containing reversible and soluble redox species (FcCH2OH and Ru ( NH ) 6 3 + ) is reported. Analytical solutions describing the cell i–V response in the absence of a well-poised reference electrode are presented, and these expressions are shown to agree with the experimental i–V results. Depending on the relative areas of the electrodes, the i–V response in the absence of a reference electrode is particularly sensitive to the presence of redox impurities. Specifically, we demonstrate that FcCH2OH+ impurity in the solution yields diffusion limited current plateaus that are equal to the currents for the primary redox species present in nearly 100-fold excess.
Can needle-free administration of vaccines become the norm in global immunization?

If vaccines could be administered without needles and syringes ('sharps'), immunization practice would become safer, more accepted and more suitable for mass use. The author explores the status of technologies that could achieve this aim and the barriers that must be overcome for their implementation.
The influence of habitat and environment on smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) nest sites and nest success in northern Lake Michigan

Abstract Information on smallmouth bass nesting ecology is lacking in northern Lake Michigan, despite available information for other Great Lakes ecosystems. Our objectives were to identify factors that influenced nesting sites and nest success in a smallmouth bass population in northern Lake Michigan. Temperature, substrate firmness, and lake bottom rugosity were measured and related to the number of smallmouth bass nests in four bays. We also investigated the role of temperature, effective fetch, and storms to explain nest success. Temperature appeared to be most important in explaining the number of nests and nest success; transects that experienced the greatest number of cumulative degree days above 15 °C during nesting contained more nests and increased nest success. Our results suggest that warmer areas during spawning in northern latitude lentic systems should be protected from anthropogenic disturbances because these areas may be important for future recruitment of smallmouth bass.
Synthetic, Structural, and Thermochemical Studies of N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) and Tertiary Phosphine Ligands in the [(L)2Ni(CO)2] (L = PR3, NHC) System

Two new dicarbonyl N-heterocyclic carbene nickel(0) complexes of the type (NHC)2Ni(CO)2 (NHC = ICy, [N,N′-bis(cyclohexylimidazol)-2-ylidene (2), IMes [N,N′-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol)-2-ylidene] (3)) have been prepared by a substitution reaction of (NHC)Ni(CO)2 (NHC = ItBu [N,N′-bis(tert-butylimidazol)-2-ylidene], IAd [N,N′-bis(1-adamantylimidazol)-2-ylidene]) and 2 equivalents of ICy or IMes. Single-crystal X-ray analyses confirmed the monomeric 18-electron compositions of [(ICy)2Ni(CO)2] (2) and [(IMes)2Ni(CO)2] (3). The greater electron-donating properties of the NHC ligands compared to tertiary phosphines are also demonstrated through calorimetric studies and enabled the determination of average bond dissociation enthalpies for Ni−L (L = NHC and tertiary phosphine).
Assessment of structural steel from the World Trade Center towers, part II: Analysis of images for forensic information

A meaningful modeling analysis of the collapse of the World Trade Center towers required documentation of the damage of the buildings due to the aircraft impacts. Images accumulated during the National Institute of Standards and Technology National Construction Safety Team investigation were analyzed for information regarding structural damage and failure modes. A number of recovered and identified components survived the building collapse and subsequent handling during recovery in essentially the same condition as they were post-impact. The modes of failure for bolted and welded connections of the outer wall were documented, as was the condition of the spray-applied fire-resistant material (fireproofing) that had been sprayed onto the structural steel during erection of the building. Finally, images taken of portions of the towers at the locations of identified recovered components were studied to determine whether they were exposed to post-collision fires and to establish the extent of the exposure.
Relationship of solvent to the photopolymerization process, properties, and structure in model dentin adhesives

The ratio of the double-bond content of monomer to polymer, i.e. degree of conversion (DC) has been used frequently as a convenient means of comparing the behavior and properties of dental composites and adhesives. The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationship of photopolymerization processes, bulk properties, and structure using model dentin adhesives cured in the presence of different ethanol content as an example. There was little difference in the DC of model BisGMA-based adhesives cured in the presence of ethanol concentrations ranging from 0 to 40 wt %, but there were substantial differences in the mechanical properties. Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and modulus of elasticity decreased with an increase in ethanol content. Polymer structure was revealed by thermal behavior in the glass transition temperature (Tg) region; these measurements were obtained by modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry (MTDSC) technology, which removes the competing irreversible effects associated with release of volatiles and residual curing. Glass transition temperature of model adhesives decreased substantially with an increase in ethanol content. The DC based on the quantity of remaining double bond has been used extensively to characterize and provide a relative assessment of the quality of dentin adhesives and dental composites. Since polymers differing in linearity, and therefore crosslink density, may have a similar degree of conversion, the measurement of monomer/polymer conversion does not necessarily provide complete representation of the quality or durability of the polymer structure.
A theory for the excitation of CO in star-forming galaxies

Observations of molecular gas in high-z star-forming galaxies typically rely on emission from CO lines arising from states with rotational quantum numbers J > 1. Converting these observations to an estimate of the COJ = 1 0 intensity, and thus inferring H2 gas masses, requires knowledge of the CO excitation ladder, or spectral line energy distribution (SLED). The few available multi-J CO observations of galaxies show a very broad range of SLEDs, even at fixed galaxy mass and star formation rate, making the convers ion to J = 1 0 emission and hence molecular gas mass highly uncertain. Here, we combine numerical simulations of disk galaxies and galaxy mergers with molecular line radiative transfer calculations to develop a model for the physical parameters that drive variations in CO SLEDs in galaxies. An essential feature of our model is a fully self-consistent computation of the molecular gas temperature and excitation structure. We find that, while the shape of the SLED is ultimately determined by difficult-to-observe quantities such as the gas density, temperature, and optical depth distributions, all of these quantities are well-correlated with t he galaxy’s mean star formation rate surface density (�SFR), which is observable. We use this result to develop a model for the CO
Effect of preconditioning on the viscoelastic response of primate patellar tendon

Summary Current techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon (PT) allow a measurable tension to be applied to the graft at the time of fixation. The viscoelastic nature of the PT, however, ensures that relaxation will cause the graft tension to decrease over time. To better understand this process, a primate model was used to evaluate acute viscoelastic relaxation in the PT. Thirty-five patella-patellar tendon-tibia (P-PT-T) complexes were harvested from normal primate knees ( Cynomolgus monkeys), and were divided into five groups for mechanical comparison. Specimens were subjected to two 10-min relaxation tests separated by a 1–30-min unloaded interval. The first test provided baseline relaxation data as well as serving as preconditioning for the second test. Results indicate that preconditioning significantly reduces the tension lost in a graft due to viscoelastic relaxation. The effect of preconditioning is reduced with increasing recovery time (the time between preconditioning and the second relaxation test), but the effect is still significant after 30 min of unloading. No differences were observed in the relaxation behavior of specimens that were cyclicly or isometrically preconditioned, nor were differences observed between irradiated and nonirradiated specimens. These results suggest that preconditioning can reduce acute tension loss in a graft due to viscoelastic relaxation and that simple isometric preconditioning is just as effective as cyclic stretching.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION OF ABDOMINAL LYMPH NODES IN THE DOG

Ultrasonography is a valuable diagnostic tool for examination of the abdomen. Normal lymph nodes are often indistinct during routine abdominal ultrasonographic examination. Lymph nodes altered by infiltrative or inflammatory processes may become sonographically visible due to enlargement and/or altered echogenicity. A working knowledge of the anatomic distribution of lymph nodes and the scheme of lymphatic drainage is important for increasing the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal lymph node assessment during ultrasonographic examination.