cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BAFF/Blys Levels Correlate with Disease Activity and Alter Peripheral B Cell Subsets in Patients with Chronic GVHD.

Patients with chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have been found to have high titers of allo-reactive antibodies, but a role for B cells in the pathology of this disease remains undefined. B Cell Activating Factor, BAFF/Blys (BAFF), promotes differentiation and expansion of antigen-activated B cells and contributes to loss of B cell tolerance in animal models. We hypothesized that the BAFF/BAFF receptor (BAFF-R) pathway may perpetuate potentially allo- or auto-reactive antigen-experienced CD27+ B cells in patients with cGVHD after HSCT. Soluble BAFF was measured in plasma from 104 patients after HSCT. Median BAFF levels were statistically different when groups were compared using a two-sided Wilcoxon-Rank-Sum test (see Table below). Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher BAFF levels were associated with active cGVHD after adjusting for other GVHD prognostic factors (p=0.0007). Patients with ≥10ng/ml BAFF levels had ten-fold increased odds of having cGVHD compared to patients with BAFF levels of 10ng/ml at 6 months subsequently developed cGVHD (median BAFF was 20ng/ml) compared to 39% of patients with BAFF levels <10ng/ml at 6 months (p=0.002). We also found that BAFF-R expression on B cells was down-regulated in vitro in the presence of BAFF. Consistent with this finding flow cytometry revealed very low BAFF-R expression on B cells in patients with active cGVHD. BAFF-R expression on peripheral B cells correlated with BAFF levels (p=0.0001), suggesting that BAFF signals via BAFF-R in cGVHD. We used 5-color FACS to characterize peripheral B cell subsets in 68 post-HSCT patients. Compared to patients without cGVHD, the proportion of antigen-experienced CD27+ B cells was increased in patients with limited cGVHD (n=20, p=0.04). The extensive cGVHD patient group was smaller (n=11) with greater variability in CD27+ B cell frequency resulting in no statistical difference (p=0.27). The proportion of CD27+ post-germinal center B cells was also increased in patients with active cGVHD (p=0.04 and p=0.03 extensive and limited cGVHD, respectively). High BAFF levels correlated with increased total numbers of CD27+ B cells (p=0.05), but not with total or naive B cell numbers, suggesting that BAFF plays a role in perpetuation of circulating antigen-experienced and memory B cells in cGVHD patients. Our results suggest that high levels of BAFF after HSCT help break peripheral B cell tolerance and contribute to cGVHD pathobiology. | cGVHD Type | N | Median BAFF (ng/ml) | p-value vs. inactive | p-value vs. no | |:---------- | -- | ------------------- | -------------------- | -------------- | | Extensive | 15 | 11.5 | 0.14 | 0.02 | | Limited | 33 | 9.0 | 0.02 | 0.0004 | | Inactive | 27 | 5.7 | - | 0.02 | | No | 29 | 4.4 | 0.16 | - | | Normal | 26 | 1.9 | 0.0002 | 0.004 | Comparison of BAFF Levels Between Extensive/Limited versus Inactive/No cGVHD Groups
Cytogenetic and Molecular Characterization of Sweet's Syndrome in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Abstract 2587 Background: Sweet9s syndrome (SS), also known as acute febrile dermatosis, has been associated with hematologic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We sought to identify the disease characteristics of AML patients (pts) who develop SS, and to report the cytogenetic (CG) and molecular genetic (MG) abnormalities observed. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of charts of newly diagnosed AML pts that underwent induction chemotherapy and had follow up at our institution. Pts with SS were identified if both the clinical signs and symptoms and a biopsy of the skin lesion were consistent with SS. CG and MG abnormalities are reported here as part of our descriptive analysis. Results: Between years 2000 to 2011, we identified a total of 2178 newly diagnosed AML pts that underwent induction chemotherapy and had follow-up at our institution. During this time, 697 pts (32%) underwent skin biopsies in the course of their AML treatment and follow-up. 21 pts (1% of all pts and 3% of all who underwent skin biopsy) demonstrated signs and symptoms and had skin biopsy consistent with SS. Table 1 summarizes the baseline characteristics of pts with AML at the time of dx of SS, including the CG and MG abnormalities observed. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) prior to diagnosis of AML and SS was present in 9 pts (43%). CG analysis revealed diploid karyotype in 7 pts (33%), deletion 5p in 8 pts (38%; 4 pts had del5p as sole abnormality, and 4 pts with del5p as part of other accompanying/complex CG) and 4 patients had complex CG (19%). Most common MG abnormality was seen in the FLT3 gene, found in 7 out of 18 pts (39%) tested (FLT3 –ITD present in 4 pts while mutation of FLT3 codon 835 occurred in 3 pts). In addition, two out of 7 (28%) pts tested, had NPM1 gene mutation (one pt had concomitant FLT3 gene mutation). Other CG and MG abnormalities are summarized in Table 1. Eight pts (38%) with SS received systemic steroids for treatment, 1 pt (5%) received topical steroids while 19 (90%) received antibiotics and supportive care. The treatment for SS was effective in 16 out of 16 pts (100%) for whom follow-up information was available. Three pts required multiple courses of steroids while 5 pts required one course of steroids. The median time to improvement reported in the signs and symptoms of SS was 14 days (range 4–153). The median overall survival of AML pts who developed SS during course of their management was 14 months (95% confidence interval 12.6 – 15.4 months). Conclusions: SS is a frequent occurrence among AML pts as compared to its incidence in the general population. It can occur in AML pts during all phases of the disease. In this retrospective review, we found that SS frequently occurs in AML that has developed in the setting of prior MDS and where leukemic cells carry CG and MG abnormalities of del5p and FLT3 gene respectively. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
On the importance of the obstetric history.

It is now well established that women whose pregnancies are complicated by preeclampsia or spontaneous preterm birth are at increased risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. These risks are higher in the first subsequent pregnancy and decrease with intervening uncomplicated gestations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
How reliable is the vomer flap in early hard palate repair

Hard palate closure with a vomer flap at the time of lip repair has been widely adopted. A recent study by Deshpande et al. showed a high rate of failure of the vomer flap and led the authors to abandon the technique. We conducted a retrospective study of vomer flap healing in a consecutive series of cases performed by the senior author (D.O.). The case records of 71 patients who underwent repair of unilateral cleft lip and palate with a vomer flap at the time of lip repair were studied. Vomer flap healing was assessed and documented by the senior author at the time of definitive palate closure, and this was recorded. Adequate records were available for 66 cases. Twelve patients (18%) had associated syndromes and were included in the analysis. The median age at the time of lip and vomer flap repair was 3.5 months, and that at the time of palate repair was 8 months. At definitive palatoplasty, the vomer flap was intact in 62 patients (94%). Four patients (6%) had partial or complete failure of the vomer flap. All failures occurred in cases where the vomer flap was sutured directly to the nasal mucosa, a technique since abandoned in favour of double-breasting the flap to the raw surface of the oral mucosa. Five patients had incomplete healing of the palate following definitive palatoplasty, two of whom had a previous vomer flap failure. Contrary to Deshpande et al., we found the vomer flap to be highly reliable in closing the hard palate at the time of primary lip repair.
The comparative effectiveness of residential solar incentives

Abstract We use temporal and spatial variation to evaluate the effectiveness of nearly all (over 400) state and utility incentives that promote the installation of residential solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Using a unique data set that values a wide array of solar incentives including cash incentives, tax credits, and solar renewable energy credits, we evaluate and compare the impact of incentives using a standardized net present value of each incentive. We pair these data the amount of new residential solar installations within each state and year to examine the relationship between incentive type and new residential PV installations. We find that each additional dollar of incentives has led to on average, an additional 500 W of additional installed capacity per thousand residential electric customers. This effect is enabled by the presence of net metering and financing availability. Direct cash incentives, when coupled with financing initiatives and net metering, drive much of the impact on installations. Results are consistent with research that shows that incentive salience may drive variation in effectiveness. Results suggest that approximately 67% of state and utility incentives, up to $1.9 billion over 11 years, were likely spent on incentives that did not increase residential solar PV installations.
Introspection Plays an Early Role in Children's Explicit Theory of Mind Development.

This study assessed children's (N = 236) ability to introspect the mental states of seeing and knowing relative to their ability to attribute each state to others. Children could introspect seeing 10 months before they could introspect knowing. Two- and 3-year-olds correctly reported their own seeing states, whereas 3- and 4-year-olds correctly reported their own knowing states. For each mental state, there was a 7-month difference before children could correctly attribute that state to another. These findings indicate that knowing is more difficult to introspect than seeing and that the ability to introspect each mental state emerges prior to the ability to correctly attribute them to others. Theoretical implications for self–other differences in theory-of-mind development are considered.
The Possible Uses of Biofeedback in Education

The concepts underlying biofeedback learning and research are reviewed in relation to their application in education. The basic steps in biofeedback learning are pointed out and consist of: monitoring, self-awareness, control with the feedback equipment, and control without the feedback equipment In addition, the implications of biofeedback control are reviewed. These include: self-control over the learning process; the concepts of passive attention, nonverbal learning, mind/body synchrony; transfer of learning; and the effect of belief structures. Drawn from these concept, the paper suggests biofeedback applications for use in educational settings such as the use for teaching science lessons, voluntary control over low arousal and creativity, enhancement of artistic expression, learning of self-awareness and control over internal states, awareness of misplaced efforts, enhancement of visual attention, decreasing subjective striving components, and the use for teaching relaxation and unstressing.
Rapid visualization of the potential residential cost savings from energy storage under time-of-use electric rates

Buildings feature a prominent role in electric grid loading, as they use about 75% of the total electricity generated in the United States and are main drivers of electric peak demand in the summer due to electrically driven air conditioning systems. Energy storage is a key technology that can increase energy cost savings, and add flexibility to the grid. However, cost is an important factor to consider. This study proposes a rapid approach that allows for visualization of potential cost savings by introducing energy storage as a peak load control for residential buildings in California. A combination of EnergyPlus load data generation, Matlab post-processing, and Google Fusion Tables data presentation analyses the potential cost savings when energy storage is implemented and TOU rates are applied. The study presents potential annual cost savings of $420 per home with storage capacities of 24 kWh.
A recursive strategy for symbolic execution to find exploits in hardware designs

This paper presents hardware-oriented symbolic execution that uses a recursive algorithm to find, and generate exploits for, vulnerabilities in hardware designs. We first define the problem and then develop and formalize our strategy. Our approach allows for a targeted search through a possibly infinite set of execution traces to find needle-in-a-haystack error states. We demonstrate the approach on the open-source OR1200 RISC processor. Using the presented method, we find, and generate exploits for, a control-flow bug, an instruction integrity bug and an exception related bug.
Freedom of Speech, Religious Harassment Law, and Religious Accomodation Law

Let me begin by suggesting that the free speech problems of religious harassment law mostly mirror the free speech problems posed by racial and sexual harassment law. Religious harassment law is structurally almost identical to racial and sexual harassment law: both punish speech when it’s “severe or pervasive” enough to create a hostile, abusive, or offensive work environment based on religion, race, or sex, for the plaintiff and for a reasonable person.1 And cases dealing with each body of law generally borrow heavily from each other.2 What’s more, both religious harassment law and racial and sexual harassment law sometimes punish speech that’s at the core of First Amendment protection, and sometimes punish speech that is constitutionally unprotected. A simple table might help illustrate this:
The embodiment of complex trauma in domestic minor sex trafficking victims and the dangers of misidentification

Domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) victims face many barriers to getting appropriate, trauma-informed treatment. Many of these victims experience childhood trauma by trusted adults or by non-fam...
Toward Resilient Smart Grid Communications Using Distributed SDN with ML-Based Anomaly Detection.

Next generation “Smart” systems, including cyber-physical systems like smart grid and Internet-of-Things, integrate control, communication and computation to achieve stability, efficiency and robustness of physical processes. While a great amount of research has gone towards building these systems, security in the form of resilient and fault-tolerant communications for smart grid systems is still immature. In this paper, we propose a hybrid, distributed and decentralized (HDD) SDN architecture for resilient Smart Systems. It provides a redundant controller design for fault-tolerance and fail-over operation, as well as parallel execution of multiple anomaly detection algorithms. Using the k-means clustering algorithm from the machine learning literature, it is shown that k-means can be used to produce a high accuracy (96.9%) of identifying anomalies within normal traffic. Furthermore, incremental k-means produces a slightly lower accuracy (95.6%) but demonstrated an increased speed with respect to k-means and fewer CPU and memory resources needed, indicating a possibility for scaling the system to much larger networks.
Macrophyte performance in floating treatment wetlands on a suburban stormwater pond: Implications for cold climate conditions

Abstract Stormwater ponds (also called detention basins or retention ponds) are a commonly employed method to control runoff flow from developed lands. They function to reduce peak discharge and provide settling of suspended particulate pollutants but do not perform well in removing fine particulates or dissolved nutrients. Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are modular floating vegetated mat systems gaining attention as potential stormwater pond retrofits to improve pollutant removal performance. This study presents data on the FTW suitability of four plant species native to the Northeast region of the United States and commonly referenced in other FTW studies: Juncus effusus L. (Common Rush), Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (C.C. Gmel.) Palla (Softstem Bulrush), Carex comosa Boott (Longhair Sedge), and Pontederia cordata L. (Pickerel Weed). Species were evaluated for suitability of FTW in cold climates based on their survival rate, biomass development, phosphorus (P) uptake and storage in shoots, and root architectural features. S. tabernaemontani survived the winter most successfully with greater than 95% of planted plugs resprouting the following spring after the first winter. P. cordata suffered a nearly complete loss. C. comosa produced the most biomass (35.6 ± 12.8 g/plant individual) and P. cordata produced the least (3.6 ± 3.98 g/plant). A self-seeded species populated all of the mats at the study site ( Bidens vulgata ) and produced sizable biomass over the growth season but with a large range (12.4 ± 12.0 g/plant individual) due to the variable growing time of each individual. P. cordata and B. vulgata had the highest P concentration (5.72 ± 0.71 g/kg and 7.49 ± 0.15 g/kg respectively). When controlled for individual plant mass, C. comosa had the greatest P content per plant individual. The longest measured root segments were associated with the C. comosa (32.6 ± 15.8 cm) and B. vulgata (29.4 ± 16.9 cm). P. cordata produced the shortest root segments (11.9 ± 5.1). S. tabernaemontani and J. effusus had similar root lengths (19.6 ± 11.1 and 18 ± 6.8 cm, respectively). C. comosa had higher root surface area than any other species studied and had a greater than 90% survival over the winter. Overall, C. comosa was the best performing species and may be more suitable for FTW in stormwater ponds in cold climates.
8q24 genetic variation and comprehensive haplotypes altering familial risk of prostate cancer.

The 8q24 genomic locus is tied to the origin of numerous cancers. We investigate its contribution to hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) in independent study populations of the Nashville Familial Prostate Cancer Study and International Consortium for Prostate Cancer Genetics (combined: 2,836 HPC cases, 2,206 controls of European ancestry). Here we report 433 variants concordantly associated with HPC in both study populations, accounting for 9% of heritability and modifying age of diagnosis as well as aggressiveness; 183 reach genome-wide significance. The variants comprehensively distinguish independent risk-altering haplotypes overlapping the 648 kb locus (three protective, and four risk (peak odds ratios: 1.5, 4, 5, and 22)). Sequence of the near-Mendelian haplotype reveals eleven causal mutation candidates. We introduce a linkage disequilibrium-based algorithm discerning eight independent sentinel variants, carrying considerable risk prediction ability (AUC = 0.625) for a single locus. These findings elucidate 8q24 locus structure and correlates for clinical prediction of prostate cancer risk. Inherited alterations of the 8q24 genomic locus are linked to cancer etiology. Here, the authors investigate hereditary prostate cancer to reveal ancestral risk-altering haplotypes, the sentinel genetic variants optimally predicting risk, and causal mutation candidates.
The Missing Links: Comments on “The Science of Wisdom in a Polarized World”

Grossmann et al. (this issue) have proposed a common wisdom model with four major components: (1) balance of viewpoints, (2) epistemic humility, (3) context adaptability, and (4) multiple perspecti...
New evidence of state variation in Medicaid payment policies for dual Medicare-Medicaid enrollees.

Objective To develop the first longitudinal database of state Medicaid policies for paying the cost sharing in Medicare Part B for services provided to dual Medicare-Medicaid enrollees ("duals") and an index summarizing the impact of these policies on payments for physician office services. Data sources Medicaid policy data collected from electronic sources and inquiries with states. Study design We constructed a national database of Medicaid payment policies for the period 2004-2018, consolidating information from online Medicaid policy documents, state laws, and policy data reported to us by state Medicaid programs. Using this database and state Medicaid fee schedules, we constructed a Medicaid payment index for duals. This index represented the proportion of the Medicare allowed amount that physicians would expect to be paid from Medicare and Medicaid for a subset of physician office services (evaluation and management services) based on annual state payment policies and Medicaid fee schedules. Principal findings In 2018, 42 states had policies to limit Medicaid payments of Medicare cost sharing when Medicaid's fee schedule was lower than Medicare's-an increase from 36 such states in 2004. In the preponderance of states with these policies, combined Medicare and Medicaid payments for evaluation and management services provided to duals averaged 78 percent of the Medicare allowed amount for these services, reflecting relatively low Medicaid fee schedules in these states. In 2013 and 2014, physicians who qualified for the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid "fee bump" were paid 100 percent of the Medicare allowed amount for these services. Conclusions Medicaid programs vary across states and over time in their payments of cost sharing for physician office services provided to duals. Our database and index can facilitate monitoring of these policies and research on the consequences of policy changes for duals.
Tunneling Effects in Crossed Ta2Pt3Se8–Ta2Pd3Se8 Nanowire Junctions: Implications for Anisotropic Photodetectors

Quasi-one-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) materials are a promising system for future applications in electronics and optoelectronics. Here we report systematic studies on the electronic and optoel...
When Should Instrumentation to the Pelvis be Considered in Minimally Ambulatory Adolescents With Neuromuscular Scoliosis

INTRODUCTION The goal of neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) surgery is to improve sitting balance, facilitate daily care, and alleviate pain. In nonambulatory patients, where sitting balance is key, fusion to the pelvis is usually required. However, in minimally ambulatory patients, fusion to the pelvis remains controversial, and there is considerable practice variability in this patient population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and summarize the available evidence regarding fusion constructs in minimally ambulatory patients with NMS and to provide expert opinion regarding when fusion to the pelvis should be considered. METHODS A search of the English literature was performed using PubMed to identify papers pertaining to patients with NMS treated with instrumented posterior spinal fusion. Papers published before 2000, case reports, and level V evidence were excluded. RESULTS The authors identified 8 studies for review. The majority included both nonambulatory and minimally ambulatory patients. Structured review of the literature demonstrated fusion to the pelvis may allow for greater curve and pelvic obliquity correction, but it is also associated with increased blood loss and operative time. There is no evidence that fusing to the pelvis decreases ambulatory status in minimally ambulatory patients. CONCLUSIONS In minimally ambulatory patients with NMS, fusion short of the pelvis may be considered in patients with adequate head control without the presence of hip subluxation or dislocation and when pelvic obliquity is <15 degrees. Fusion to the pelvis is recommended in patients who do not meet these criteria.
Association of obesity with venous thromboembolism and myocardial injury in COVID-19.

Abstract Introduction Although both obesity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) independently induce inflammation and thrombosis, the association between obesity class and risk of thrombosis in patients with COVID-19 remains unclear. Methods This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at a single institution. Patients were categorized based on obesity class. The main outcomes were venous thromboembolism (VTE) and myocardial injury, a marker of microvascular thrombosis in COVID-19. Adjustments were made for sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular disease risk factors and comorbidities. Results 609 patients with COVID-19 were included. 351 (58%) patients were without obesity, 110 (18%) were patients with class I obesity, 76 (12%) were patients with class II obesity, and 72 (12%) were patients with class III obesity. Patients with class I and III obesity had significantly higher risk-adjusted odds of VTE compared to patients without obesity (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.05–6.14 for class I obesity; and OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 1.40–11.14 for class III obesity). Patients with class III obesity had significantly higher risk-adjusted odds of myocardial injury compared to patients without obesity (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.12–4.12). Both VTE and myocardial injury were significantly associated with greater risk-adjusted odds of mortality. Conclusion This study demonstrates that both macrovascular and microvascular thromboses may contribute to the elevated morbidity and mortality in patients with obesity and COVID-19.
The dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide improves cardiovascular risk biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis

In a phase 2 trial of once-weekly tirzepatide (1, 5, 10, or 15 mg), dulaglutide (1.5 mg), or placebo, the dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide dose-dependently reduced HbA1c and body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes. In this post hoc analysis, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and cellular stress biomarkers were measured at baseline, 4, 12, and 26 weeks to evaluate the additional effects of tirzepatide on cardiovascular risk factors. At 26 weeks, tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg decreased YKL-40 (also known as chitinase-3 like-protein-1), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), leptin, and growth differentiation factor 15 levels versus baseline, and YKL-40 and leptin levels versus placebo and dulaglutide. Tirzepatide 15 mg also decreased ICAM-1 levels versus placebo and dulaglutide, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels versus baseline and placebo, but not dulaglutide. GlycA, interleukin 6, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide levels were not significantly changed in any group. YKL-40, hsCRP, and ICAM-1 levels rapidly decreased within 4 weeks of treatment with tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg, whereas the decrease in leptin levels was more gradual and did not plateau by 26 weeks. In this hypothesis-generating exploratory analysis, tirzepatide decreased several biomarkers that have been associated with cardiovascular risk.
Molecular Imaging in Biology and Pharmacology

Abstract This chapter introduces the basic elements of molecular imaging. It describes some recent advances in instrumentation, image quantification methodologies, and biology/medicine that enhance the growing use of molecular imaging. It provides examples that highlight the role of information technology in molecular imaging and shows a few applications that illustrate how molecular imaging is being used in biology, medicine, and pharmacology today. A few new developments are also briefly addressed to indicate some exciting topic areas that are expected to be forthcoming to further enrich molecular imaging in biology, pharmacology, and medicine.
Larval diet alters larval growth rates and post‑metamorphic performance in the marine gastropod Crepidula fornicata

Some larval experiences can produce "latent effects" on post-metamorphic growth or survival. While it is known that periods of starvation during larval devel- opment can cause such latent effects, the effect of larval diet on post-metamorphic growth has not been studied. As global climate change and ocean acidification are expected to decrease phytoplankton concentrations and alter both phytoplankton species composition and nutritional char- acteristics, we examined the impact of 3 phytoplankton species (Isochrysis galbana, clone T-ISO; Pavlova lutheri, clone MONO; and Dunaliella tertiolecta, clone DUN) on larval growth and subsequent post-metamorphic fitness in the slippersnail Crepidula fornicata. Once larvae metamor- phosed, the juveniles were all reared on the diet that pro- duced the fastest growth, T-ISO, to look for latent effects of larval diet on juvenile growth. In all experiments, larvae grew most quickly on T-ISO; diet did not affect relative rates of shell and tissue growth. In 2 of the 4 experiments conducted on the effects of diet quality, larvae reared on T-ISO metamorphosed into juveniles that grew significantly faster than those that had been raised on the other phyto- plankton species, indicating clear latent effects of dietary experience and suggesting parent-related genetic variation in susceptibility to this type of stress. Rearing larvae at a
HISTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON THE REGENERATING URODELE LIMB. I. OXIDATIVE AND GLYCOGENIC ENZYMES.

Abstract A histochemical study of some enzymatic steps in intermediary metabolism and glycogen synthesis in the regenerating limb of the adult Triturus viridescens is presented. There is increasing activity of the pentose phosphate shunt, an alternate pathway of carbohydrate metabolism, associated with dedifferentiation as demonstrated by a striking increase in glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and relative reduction of the Krebs cycle enzymes. This pathway may be a source of ribosyl units for the increased synthesis of nucleic acids which has been demonstrated by other workers to occur with dedifferentiation. With differentiation there is a recrudesence of activity of the Krebs cycle enzymes. Of all the differentiating tissues cartilage shows the most intense activity of the Krebs cycle enzymes. No striking differences are noted in the oxidative enzyme pattern of the apical cap in comparison to normal epidermis. However, significant quantities of glycogen accumulate in the cytoplasm of the apical cap cells. Other qualitative, quantitative, and distributional changes noted in enzyme activity and glycogen content with dedifferentiation and redifferentiation are presented, and their significance is discussed. An effort is made, where possible, to integrate these facts with prior data obtained by other workers from a variety of experimental techniques including electronmicroscopy and radioautography.
Should You Be a Faculty Research Assistant

This article discusses: (1) ten reasons why a law student or a graduate student should consider working as a faculty research assistant; (2) three ways by which students can get hired as a faculty research assistant; and (3) eleven ways how students can do a good job once they get hired as a faculty research assistant. The article provides basic and essential career advice. The article is also strongly recommended for faculty members. You should share the link to this article with students who apply to be your faculty research assistants. In the interview, ask them to share their thoughts on the last part of the article (how to be a good faculty research assistant).
Generalized Steady-State Method for Stiff Equations

Theme T economical solution of stiff differential equations is usually obtained by the use of implicit methods or special purpose explicit techniques. Implicit techniques, though possessing desirable stability characteristics, usually depend upon matrix operations for solution which become increasingly costly as the number of dependent variables increases. Thus, a trade-off exists between the large increase in step size possible and the expense of many more computer operations at each step, particularly for systems with many variables. Previous explicit methods tend to lack generality because they rely on approximations to'the exact equations which exploit the characteristics of a particular set of equations. The technique outlined in this paper is explicit yet general as it solves the exact equations in an approximate manner. The nature of the approximation makes it especially suited to systems describing chemical reactions. The method is based on the steady-state (or quasi-equilibrium) approximation long used in chemical kinetics and is referred to herein as the Generalized Steady State Method (GSSM). A simple yet reliable means for identifying those variables whose values may be approximated and a direct estimate of the resulting error are provided. The method can be interpreted as an application of matched asymptotic expansions which avoids a detailed solution in the inner region. No detailed a priori understanding of the system to be analyzed is necessary; in fact the method can help towards an understanding of the system. Different applications require little modification of the basic technique. The simplicity of the GSSM makes it worthy of consideration in many applications, especially when more sophisticated programs are not readily available.
An Introduction to the Mechanical Properties of Ceramics

This book is a comprehensive introduction to the mechanical properties of ceramics, and is designed primarily as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in materials science and engineering. Over the past 25 years ceramics have become key materials in the development of many new technologies as scientists have been able to design these materials with new structures and properties. An understanding of the factors that influence their mechanical behavior and reliability is essential. This book will introduce the reader to current concepts in the field. It contains problems and exercises to help readers develop their skills. Although designed principally as a textbook for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this book will also be of value as a supplementary text for more general courses and to industrial scientists and engineers involved in the development of ceramic-based products, materials selection and mechanical design.
A Fast Connection-Time Redirection Mechanism for Internet Application Scalability

Applications that are distributed, fault tolerant, or perform dynamic load balancing rely on redirection techniques, such as network address translation (NAT), DNS request routing, or middleware to handle Internet scale loads. In this paper, we describe a new connection redirection mechanism that allows applications to change end-points of communication channels. The mechanism supports redirections across LANs and WANs and is application-independent. Further, it does not introduce any central bottlenecks. We have implemented the redirection mechanism using a novel end-point control session layer. The performance results show that the overhead of the mechanism is minimal. Further, Internet applications built using this mechanism scale better than those built using HTTP redirection.
Stability of a one legged robot using /spl mu/-synthesis

The focus of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of stabilizing an underactuated double inverted pendulum. This preliminary investigation is motivated by the desire to construct a two-legged walking robot. The pendulum represents a single leg in a walking robot. The design of a stabilizing controller using a /spl mu/-synthesis approach is explained in detail and conditions for controllability and observability of the system are given.
Peptic Digestion of Streptococcal M Protein II. Extraction of M Antigen from Group A Streptococci With Pepsin

M protein of group A streptococci was extracted by mild peptic digestion. Optimal amounts of type-specific M protein were released after 20 min of digestion with 0.02 mg of pepsin per ml at pH 5.8. Immunological analysis revealed that, unlike conventional HCl extracts, pepsin extracts lacked the surface C carbohydrate antigen and contained less non-type-specific, heat-stable cellular antigens; they also lacked detectable heat-labile T protein. Similar to HCl extracts, however, the pepsin-extracted M protein precipitated homologous-type M antisera and inhibited type-specific opsonization of homologous group A streptococci. Furthermore, the pepsin extract was capable of inducing type-specific opsonic M antibody in rabbits. This method may provide a useful initial step in the purification of M protein by reducing contaminating antigens.
Medium for Isolation and Growth of Bacteria Associated with Plum Leaf Scald and Phony Peach Diseases

Rickettsia-like bacteria associated with plum leaf scald and phony peach diseases were isolated from diseased but not from healthy tissues and cultured on charcoal-yeast extract medium (BCYE) buffered with ACES (2-[(2-amino-2-oxoethyl) amino]-ethanesulfonic acid). Optimum conditions for isolation and growth on BCYE medium were pH 6.5 to 6.9 at 20 and 25 degrees C under normal atmosphere. Growth of primary colonies and first-passage subcultures was restricted, and colonies reached a maximum diameter of 0.6 mm in 60 days. After 12 passages, subcultures reached maximum growth in 21 days. The rickettsia-like bacteria from BCYE cultures were gram negative, serologically the same as those present in diseased peach and plum, and composed of rod-shaped cells measuring 0.35 by 5 mum (average diameter and maximum length) in a matrix of filamentous strands of similar width but of variable length.
Clonal changes in inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung. A case report

Background. Pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor, also known as plasma cell granuloma among many other names, is widely believed to be an inflammatory or reactive lesion rather than a neoplasm, although its pathogenesis is still controversial. Methods. Cytogenetic analysis was performed on a lung mass that showed typical clinical and pathologic features of inflammatory pseudotumor. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies were performed in addition to routine histologic examination. Results. Cytogenetic study of the lesion revealed clonal anomalies of t(1 ;2)(q21 ;p23) and del(4)(q27). The patient, a 30-year-old woman, presented with an asymptomatic but enlarging right lower lobe mass for which partial right lower lobectomy was performed. The lung mass was well circumscribed radiographically and grossly. Microscopically, it was characterized by a loosely arranged spindle cell proliferation with prominent plasma cell infiltration. Fibroblastic and myofibroblastic differentiation of the spindle cells was demonstrated by ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies. Conclusion. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of clonal cytogenetic changes in a clinically and pathologically typical case of inflammatory pseudotumor in the lung. This finding suggests that pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor might be a true neoplasm rather than a purely inflammatory or reactive lesion.
Altered high density lipoprotein metabolism in patients with myeloproliferative disorders and hypocholesterolemia.

Patients with the myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), myeloid metaplasia and polycythemia vera, have significantly reduced concentrations of plasma low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoprotein cholesterol (C). We have previously demonstrated that increased catabolism of LDL was associated with the low LDL-C levels. In the present study we have determined the rates of synthesis and removal of apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) in five subjects with MPD who had markedly reduced HDL-C concentrations (18.2 ± 4.1 mg/dL). Their results were compared to those obtained in six subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) with similar levels of HDL-C (19.7 ± 3.9 mg/dL) and five subjects with normal (N) HDL-C concentrations (49.6 ± 7.4 mg/dL). The results demonstrated that the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) for apoA-1 was significantly increased in the MPD group v N (0.38 ± 0.15 v 0.21 ± 0.03 day−1, P < 0.05) while the synthetic rates for apoA-1 were similar in the two groups. The FCR for apoA-1 in the HTG group (0.36 ± 0.07 day−1) was nearly identical to that in the MPD group, in spite of the large differences in their plasma triglyceride concentrations (406.2 ± 217.9 v 117.0 ± 29.8 mg/dL, P < 0.05). Compositional studies indicated that the HTG group had very cholesterol depleted HDL while the HDL particles in the MPD group appeared to have a normal cholesterol content. These studies indicate that subjects with MPD have striking increases in HDL catabolism that can account fully for their markedly reduced levels of HDL cholesterol. The pathophysiologic mechanisms that are the basis of this alteration remain to be determined.
Slab band absorptance for molecular gas radiation

Abstract Nongray molecular gas radiation can be formulated in terms of slab band absorptance, which can be calculated from correlations of laboratory-measured values of band absorption. Slab-band absorptance is not only useful for obtaining the emissivity or mean beam length but also for the formulation of the radiant flux in a nonisothermal gas. Effects of nongray self-absorption by cold boundary layers can then be readily estimated. Illustrative results are presented for gas in a channel with simple straight-line boundary layer profiles at the walls and constant temperature in the center.
Regional channel geometry equations: a statistical comparison for physiographic provinces in the eastern US

Regional stream channel equations are created to solve for a specified discharge or channel dimensions as a function of drainage area. In recent years, regional equations have been developed by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW), as well as various state agencies for use in the preliminary design of stable channels. The regional equations are created using measured stable channel dimensions. Physiographic provinces have been used as boundaries for the development of these equations due to the perceived roles of climate, geology and physiography in shaping channels. Data collection within each physiographic province has typically been confined to a study area which encompasses parts of one or more states, but not the whole physiographic province. Thus, the use of the equations is restricted to the physiographic province(s) and the state(s) for which they have been developed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the regional equations are statistically different within a single physiographic province and different between physiographic provinces. The results of the statistical analyses of the regional equations and their associated data showed that the majority of the equations are similar within their respective physiographic provinces. Testing between provinces showed that the Appalachian Plateau, New England and Valley and Ridge provinces have statistically similar equations. Based on the evidence presented in this study, separating regional equations by physiographic regional boundaries is valid. New equations for those data that showed statistical similarity were developed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is community necessary? Quasi-philosophical ruminations

In responding to and examining Mary Anne Raywid's (1989) adoption of community building as an aim for schools, I survey a number of types of communities, including recreational, intentional and language communities. In considering all these communities, I try to show both the power of communities in our personal lives and some idea of why we might be of two minds about promoting community as an ideal in the modern world and in schools in particular.
Gas and water liquid transport through nanoporous block copolymer membranes

Abstract ABC triblock terpolymers containing polylactide, poly(dimethylacrylamide) and polystyrene, which can self-assemble as aligned cylinders, are etched to give nanoscopic pores. The diffusion of gases through these pores is quantitatively consistent with Knudsen diffusion. The flow of water liquid in the pores is consistent with the Hagen–Poiseuille law. If these polymers can be produced as commercial ultrafiltration membranes, they should give a larger hydraulic permeability and a sharper molecular weight cut-off.
External sources of technical knowledge

Abstract This paper explores the degree to which firms rely on external sources of technical knowledge. The empirical results suggest that larger firms in more competitive markets rely relatively more on external sources.
PbFCl-type pnictides of niobium with silicon or germanium

Abstract NbSiAs, NbGeAs, NbSiSb, and NbGeSb have been prepared with the tetragonal PbFCl structure. A powder refinement of the structure of NbSiAs shows Nb in 2c (z = 0.256), Si in 2a, and As in 2c (z = 0.612) of space group P4 nmm . If atoms in the 2a position are assumed to form anion-anion bonds, the compositions for which PbFCl-type pnictides and chalcogenides exist can be rationalized.
History, Present Status, and Applications of Menstrual

Menstrual regulation provides reasonable assurance of nonpregnancy several weeks before pregnancy tests are reliable. For certain diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the procedure is comparable to conventional dilatation and curettage in effectiveness. Early studies suggest that the technique is simple and relatively safe, complications minimal, and side effects minor. The author believes the procedure can be performed by a trained paraprofessional, as well as a physician, on an outpatient basis, and in only a few minutes.
Management Discussion and Analysis: An Examination of The Tensions

Abstract Management discussion and analysis (MDA) is required disclosure in annual reports of companies under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and addresses liquidity, capaital resources and results of operations. The objective of this study was to assess the tensions associated with MDA by investigating and explaining forces and group interests that have affected the evolution of MDA standards over time. The historical progression provides an example of the impact conflicting interests have on standard setting and standards development. Actions by various protagonists have influenced the development of MDA standards. The protagonists are categorized as the accountants, encompassing the large accounting firms and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA); the regulators, which includes both the Congress and the SEC; and the registrants, which are the companies that are required to file with the SEC. These standards and actions comprise the data that are to be analysed. The political economy of accounting (PEA) provides the primary theory for this analysis. The evolution of MDA standards is one of many socially constructed events rich in opportunity for accomplishing the PEA goals of accounting research. However, other theories consistent with a PEA framework are useful and included in the analysis for explaining events and providing a basis for understanding the conflicts and struggles associated with MDA standards development. These theories include regulated and free-market controversies, disclosure and standard setting in a regulated environment. Tensions that influenced the histroical unfolding of MDA standards result from conflict of self interest among various social protagonists, and between those self interests and public interest. Critical analysis of MDA has highlighted the importance of corporate dominance and has also emphasized the interactions of the state, as represented by elected officials and regulatory bodies, with corporations and accounting standards. Furtherance of self interests and political processes have reoccurred throughout the creation of MDA standards. Although the conflict and tension has been consistent and will likely continue unabated, self interests have been sufficiently strong to influence MDA standards.
Remission of chemotherapy-induced emesis with concurrent olanzapine treatment: a case report.

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Psycho-Ocology 8(5) 1999, 429-438.