cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of low- and high-nicotine cigarette smoking on mood states and the HPA axis in men.

The acute effects of smoking a low- or high-nicotine cigarette on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) hormones, subjective responses, and cardiovascular measures were studied in 20 healthy men who met American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV criteria for nicotine dependence. Within four puffs (or 2?min) after cigarette smoking began, plasma nicotine levels and heart rate increased significantly (P<0.01), and peak ratings of ‘high’ and ‘rush’ on a Visual Analogue Scale were reported. Reports of ‘high,’ ‘rush,’ and ‘liking’ and reduction of ‘craving’ were significantly greater after smoking a high-nicotine cigarette than a low-nicotine cigarette (P<0.05). Peak plasma nicotine levels after high-nicotine cigarette smoking (23.9±2.6?ng/ml) were significantly greater than after low-nicotine cigarette smoking (3.63±0.59?ng/ml) (P<0.001). After smoking a low-nicotine cigarette, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and epinephrine did not change significantly from baseline. After high-nicotine cigarette smoking began, plasma ACTH levels increased significantly above baseline within 12?min and reached peak levels of 21.88±5.34?pmol/l within 20?min. ACTH increases were significantly correlated with increases in plasma nicotine (r=0.85; P<0.0001), DHEA (r=0.66; P=0.002), and epinephrine (r=0.86; P<0.0001). Cortisol and DHEA increased significantly within 20?min (P<0.05) and reached peak levels of 424±48 and 21.13±2.55?ng/ml within 60 and 30?min, respectively. Thus cigarette smoking produced nicotine dose-related effects on HPA hormones and subjective and cardiovascular measures. These data suggest that activation of the HPA axis may contribute to the abuse-related effects of cigarette smoking.
Liquid/liquid separation of polysiloxane-supported catalysts

Liquid/liquid separation after monophasic reactions is a viable way to use and recover polysiloxane-supported catalysts.
GRoM — Generalized robust multichannel featur detector

A number of well-known computer vision algorithms for image feature detection use luminosity only or some specific color model. Although these methods are effective in many cases, it can be shown that these transformations of the full image information reduce detection performance due to method-induced restrictions. In this paper, we describe a formal approach to the construction of a multi-channel interest point detector for an arbitrary number of channels (regardless of data nature), which maximizes the benefits from the usage of information from these additional channels. We introduce the Generalized Robust Multi-channel (GRoM) feature detector prototype that is based upon the proposed approach, detail features of GRoM and include a set of illustrative examples to highlight its differentiation from existing methods.
Chemical and ultrastructural examination of lead-induced morphological convertants of Bacillus subtilis

Summary Actively-growing Bacillus subtilis 168 cells, exposed to lead nitrate, had only slightly decreased ability to bind the divalent cation magnesium. The nature and quantity of the major cell wall metal binding components, teichoic and teichuronic acids, and the carbohydrate constituents of the peptidoglycan remained relatively constant. Purified cell walls, isolated from cells exposed to lead for 6 and 13 days, retained 9.9 μg Pb+2 and 3.5 μg Pb+2/mg cell wall, respectively. The occurrence of this lead in the isolated cell wall did not interfere with its Mg2+-binding capacity. While cationic binding properties, growth rate and cell yield indicated non-interference from lead, light and electron microscopic studies clearly demonstrated morphological alterations in approx. 30–50% of the lead treated cells. These alterations included the conversion to irregular spherical forms, some of which contained thickened cell walls. These anomalies are virtually identical to those reported for mutants of this bacterium derived via the introduction of classical mutagens. Protoplasts, similar to those produced by antibiotic and enzymatic treatments, were also present in the lead-treated cells. Although the most tenable explanation appeared to be cellular mutations, the morphological convertants appear to be derived from lead's interference with cell wall biosynthesis process and/or the assemblage of cell wall subunits.
SU‐E‐T‐858: Expanding the Search Space of Multiobjective IMRT Optimization

Purpose: To evaluate how more flexibility in the search space affects performance in multiobjective IMRT optimization. Method: Conventional inverse planning combines multiple objectives using a weighted sum. Typical structure‐specific objectives are characterized by a specific reference dose. Optimization with variable weights explores a region of feasible plan space and yields the Pareto front for that region. Fixed references doses and structure‐specific objectives can limit the region explored. Effects of varying weights, reference doses and segmentation of structures were explored. A multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) was used to optimize plans for an example prostate case. Both the objective weights and reference doses were optimized in the MOEA and results were compared to optimizing only one parameter. In a second experiment, each voxel throughout structures were allowed different weights and reference doses. Plans were evaluated using decision objectives (OAR mean dose and target variance) which were distinct from the optimized parameters. Results: By optimizing both weighting and reference doses that define the penalty function for each structure, a set of IMRT plans was found that was superior to plans generated by only optimizing weights or by only using optimizing reference dose. Furthermore, when the search space was expanded so that every voxel in every structure was allowed its own reference dose and weight, plans were found that were superior to the best set of plans generated using structure‐specific parameters. Conclusion: Algorithms that don't allow all input parameters to be optimized or consider a voxel‐specific search space will not approach the best possible set of plans given the physical limitations of IMRT treatment when judged by clinically relevant and possibly non‐convex metrics. The set of plans generated using a limited search space can potentially be improved in all decision criteria by increasing the scope of the search space.
Morphine preconditioning reduces lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ-induced mouse microglial cell injury via δ1 opioid receptor activation

Microglial cells play an important role in the inflammatory response of a broad range of brain diseases including stroke, brain infection and neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is very little information regarding how to protect microglial cells. Here, we showed that incubation of the C8-B4 mouse microglial cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus interferon-γ (IFNγ) induced cytotoxicity as assessed by the amount of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released from the cells. Preconditioning the cells with morphine for 30 min concentration-dependently reduced LPS plus IFNγ-induced cell injury. This morphine preconditioning effect was abolished by naloxone, a general opioid receptor antagonist, by naltrindole, a selective δ opioid receptor antagonist and by 7-benzylidenenaltrexone maleate, a selective δ1 opioid receptor antagonist. However, this protective effect was not affected by β-funaltrexamine, a selective μ opioid receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine, a selective κ opioid receptor antagonist or naltriben, a selective δ2 opioid receptor antagonist. LPS plus IFNγ induced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which was not affected by morphine preconditioning. Our results suggest that morphine induced a preconditioning effect in microglial cells. This effect may be mediated by δ1 opioid receptors and may not be through inhibiting the expression of iNOS, a potentially harmful protein.
Interlaboratory comparison of limits of detectic in negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Data are presented on the limits of detection for a series of nine compounds in negative chemical ionization (NCI) mass spectra obtained in five different mass spectrometers: Finnigan 4000 with a 4500 ion source, Kratos MS-80, Hewlett-Packard 5985 and two Finnigan 4500s. The nine compounds undergo either resonance capture or dissociative capture of an electron at optimum energies ranging from 0.0 to 1.1 eV. The limits of detection generally increased with increasing optimum electron energy. The limit of detection as a function of optimum electron capture energy is expected to provide information about the electron energy distribution in the ion source. The data showed scatter within and between instruments. The scatter is believed to the due primarily to reactions with low levels of adventitious gases such as oxygen in the ion source. The data also suggested wide variations in electron energies between the instruments. The variation in the electron energy distribution is thought to have been caused by variations in the ion optical fields within the instruments. The results suggest that the requirements for reproducibility in NCI mass spectra at the limit of detection are rigorous control of trace gases in the ion source, control of the electric fields within the source including ion optical fields that penetrate the source aperture and control of pressure, temperature and other factors that influence NCI mass spectra
Ultrastructural aspects of the ribonucleo-protein network in nuclei of Walker tumor and rat liver.

Abstract Electron microscopic studies were made on isolated nuclei of Walker tumor and rat liver extracted with dilute and concentrated salt solutions. The presence of a dense network of fibrils and particles attached to the nucleolus was demonstrated in the Walker tumor. This network corresponds in appearance and location to the nuclear ribonucleoprotein network observed previously by light microscopy [16]. After the extractions with saline solutions, the particles remained in the network but were largely absent from the nucleoli. These particles are similar to the interchromatinic particles seen in unextracted nuclear preparations and in nuclei in situ. Electron microscopic studies after enzymatic digestion of freshly isolated rat liver nuclei with RNase, DNase and pepsin show that the dense particles in the nuclear ribonucleoprotein network are composed largely of ribonucleoproteins.
Advanced oxidation protein products induce cardiomyocyte death via Nox2/Rac1/superoxide-dependent TRAF3IP2/JNK signaling

Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are formed during chronic oxidative stress as a result of reactions between plasma proteins and chlorinated oxidants. Their levels are elevated during various cardiovascular diseases. Because elevated AOPPs serve as independent risk factors for ischemic heart disease, and cardiomyocyte death is a hallmark of ischemic heart disease, we hypothesized that AOPPs will induce cardiomyocyte death. AOPP-modified mouse serum albumin (AOPP-MSA) induced significant death of neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes that was attenuated by knockdown of the receptor for advanced glycation end products, but not CD36. Notably, TRAF3-interacting protein 2 (TRAF3IP2; also known as CIKS or Act1) knockdown blunted AOPP-induced apoptosis. AOPP-MSA stimulated Nox2/Rac1-dependent superoxide generation, TRAF3IP2 expression, and TRAF3IP2-dependent JNK activation. The superoxide anion generating xanthine/xanthine oxidase system and hydrogen peroxide both induced TRAF3IP2 expression. Further, AOPP-MSA induced mitochondrial Bax translocation and release of cytochrome c into cytoplasm. Moreover, AOPP-MSA suppressed antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. These effects were reversed by TRAF3IP2 knockdown or forced expression of mutant JNK. Similar to its effects in neonatal cardiomyocytes, AOPP-MSA induced adult cardiomyocyte death in part via TRAF3IP2. These results demonstrate for the first time that AOPPs induce cardiomyocyte death via Nox2/Rac1/superoxide-dependent TRAF3IP2/JNK activation in vitro and suggest that AOPPs may contribute to myocardial injury in vivo. Thus TRAF3IP2 may represent a potential therapeutic target in ischemic heart disease.
Fire-induced shifts in overstory tree species composition and associated understory plant composition in Glacier National Park, Montana

In Rocky Mountain forests, fire can act as a mechanism of change in plant community composition if postfire conditions favor establishment of species other than those that dominated prefire tree communities. We sampled pre and postfire overstory and postfire understory species following recent (1988–2006) stand-replacing fires in Glacier National Park (GNP), Montana. We identified changes in relative density of tree species and groups of species (xerophytes vs. mesophytes and reseeders vs. resprouters) in early succession. Postfire tree seedling densities were adequate to maintain prefire forest structure, but relative densities among species were variously changed. Changes were directly related to individual species’ response to severe fires. Most notably, relative density of the mesophytic resprouter quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and the xerophytic reseeder lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) increased substantially following fire, with a concomitant decline in proportional abundance of other tree species that, in some cases, dominated stands before fire. Trends identified in our study suggest that forest community shifts toward those dominated by lodgepole pine and quaking aspen are occurring in GNP. Cover of understory species was not affected by tree species composition or density. These forest communities will likely change throughout succession with the addition of shade-intolerant species in early seral stages and shade-tolerant species later in succession. However, with increased fire frequency, the lodgepole pine-dominated postfire communities observed in our study may become more common throughout time.
On the topological yarn structure of 3-D rectangular and tubular braided preforms

Abstract This paper presents an analysis method for the description of yarn structures in 3-D braided preforms. Initially, the general topology of the yarn structure in the preform is determined on the basis of the braiding procedure alone. Then, from the general topology, unit-cell-like substructures are identified in the preform interior and on the boundary. Thus, the total preform is represented as a structural composition of the unit cells. A full description of the yarn structure topology is necessary for the determination of the final yarn structure after the preform is impregnated with matrix and consolidated into the final shape. In particular, if the final shape is not the same as the initial shape, the yarn structure in the final shape may be obtained by a particular topological mapping procedure. Preforms of rectangular and tubular cross-section braided by the popular 4-step 1 × 1 procedure are analyzed as examples. The topology in the respective yarn structures is described in terms of some physically measurable parameters. It is shown that the topological characteristics in both preforms are the same; only the respective characterizing parameters are determined by the specifics in the respective geometric shapes.
Neural progenitor cells transplanted into the uninjured brain undergo targeted migration after stroke onset

Endogenous neural stem cells normally reside in their niche, the subventricular zone, in the uninjured rodent brain. Upon stroke, these cells become more proliferative and migrate away from the subventricular zone into the surrounding parenchyma. It is not known whether this stroke-induced behavior is due to changes in the niche or introduction of attractive cues in the infarct zone, or both. A related question is how transplanted neural stem cells respond to subsequent insults, including whether exogenous stem cells have the plasticity to respond to subsequent injuries after engraftment. We addressed this issue by transplanting neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into the uninjured brain and then subjecting the animal to stroke. We were able to follow the transplanted NPCs in vivo by labeling them with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles and imaging them via high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during engraftment and subsequent to stroke. We find that transplanted NPCs that are latent can be activated in response to stroke and exhibit directional migration into the parenchyma, similar to endogenous neural NPCs, without a niche environment.
Perceived Race-Based Discrimination, Employment Status, and Job Stress in a National Sample of Black Women: Implications for Health Outcomes

Previous research has not systematically examined the relationship of perceived race-based discriminations to labor force participation or job related stresses-problems experienced by Black women. The present study investigated the relative contributions of perceived race-based discriminations and sociodemographic characteristics to employment status and job stress in a national probability sample (the National Survey of Black Americans; J. S. Jackson, 1991) of Black women in the United States. Logit and polychotomous logistic regression analyses revealed that Black women's current employment status was best explained by sociodemographic measures. In contrast, the combination of perceived discrimination and sociodemographics differentially affects patterns of employment status and perceived job stress in the work environment of Black women. Implications of these findings for the health of African American women are discussed.
Ubiquilin-1 and protein quality control in Alzheimer disease

Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ubiquilin-1 gene may confer risk for late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD). We have shown previously that ubiquilin-1 functions as a molecular chaperone for the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and that protein levels of ubiquilin-1 are decreased in the brains of AD patients. We have recently found that ubiquilin-1 regulates APP trafficking and subsequent secretase processing by stimulating non-degradative ubiquitination of a single lysine residue in the cytosolic domain of APP. Thus, ubiquilin-1 plays a central role in regulating APP biosynthesis, trafficking and ultimately toxicity. As ubiquilin-1 and other ubiquilin family members have now been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the central role of ubiquilin proteins in maintaining neuronal proteostasis.
Theoretical investigations of the structure and bonding of several transition metal complexes to probe their carbon monoxide releasing properties

The structural and bonding characteristics of several CO-releasing molecules have been investigated using density functional theories. Based on the nature of the physiological buffer compositions used in experiments, several isodesmic reactions involving chloride (Cl−), hypophosphate (HPO), and nitrosyl (NO) ligands are set up to find out whether the ligand-substituted products, which could have direct influence in CO releasing mechanism, are thermodynamically feasible. The isodesmic reactions involving the Cl− and HPO ligands are exothermic whereas it is endothermic with the NO ligand. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Doxorubicin induces cell senescence preferentially over apoptosis in the FU‐SY‐1 synovial sarcoma cell line

Surgical resection coupled with adjuvant radiotherapy and/or doxorubicin based chemotherapy are the mainstays of synovial sarcoma (SS) treatment. Although effective as a SS adjuvant, the proposed mechanism of action of doxorubicin remains controversial. Current opinion supports DNA damage-induced apoptosis. This in vitro study used cDNA gene expression profiling to investigate whether apoptosis, alone or in combination with cell senescence, is induced by doxorubicin in SS cells. Cell cultures of the FU-SY-1 SS, the pleomorphic SW982 sarcoma, and a primary dermal fibroblast (NHDF), were exposed to 500 nM doxorubicin, and then processed for cDNA microarray analysis. The one class response option of SAM (Significance Analysis of Microarrays) was used to test for significant overexpression of 15 apoptosis-related genes and nine senescence-related genes. Drug-induced cell senescence was quantified by measuring beta-galactosidase activity. None of 15 apoptosis-related genes and only two of nine senescence-related genes were identified by SAM as significantly overexpressed in doxorubicin-treated cultures. Drug-induced senescence as reflected by beta-galactosidase activity was significantly increased (p < 0.05) only in FU-SY-1 SS cultures. Apoptosis does not appear to be a major determinant of doxorubicin-induced mortality in FU-SY-1 SS or NHDF cultures, but may impact SW982 cells via the overexpression of BAX relative to Bcl-2. Doxorubicin-induced cell senescence was prominent in FU-SY-1 SS cultures, but negligible in SW982 and NHDF cultures. Likely, both apoptosis and cell senescence contribute to doxorubicin-induced cell death in this synovial sarcoma cell line.
Soybean Oil-Quality Variants Identified by Large-Scale Mutagenesis

To identify genetic variation for fatty acid composition in mature soybean seeds, 4566 M3 generation seed samples from a chemically mutagenized population were subjected to fatty acid profiling by gas chromatography. In the population, a wide range of variation in the content for each of the five major fatty acids was observed. Seventy-nine lines were identified which contained significantly high or low levels of one of the five major soybean fatty acids. These lines were advanced to the subsequent generation. Of the 79 lines showing a variant fatty acid profile in the M3, 52 showed clear heritability for the oil composition in the seeds of the subsequent generation. These lines are likely to represent 52 distinct genetic mutations. These mutants may represent new loci involved in the determination of soybean seed oil content or could be new isolates or alleles of previously identified genetic variants for soybean oil composition.
Landscape Development and Coastal Wetland Losses in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

The causes of the extensive (0.86%/yr; 288,414 ha/yr) and well documented dramatic and accelerating rate of coastal wetland loss in the northern Gulf of Mexico were investigated by an interdisciplinary university research team to discern the role of outer continental shelf development. The landscape changes and potential causal agents are emphasized herein. Natural driving factors include sea level rise and geological compaction, which appear to remain constant this century, and sediment supply from the Mississippi River which has declined by 50%,since the 1950s. Man-made influences include hydrologic changes from river diversions, flood protection levees, an extensive canal and spoil bank network, belowground fluid withdrawal and accidental and intentional impoundments. Wetland loss is not simply a geological phenomenon. Wetland plants hold sediments together, add to vertical accretion rates, withstand storm winds and waves, and assist in sediment trapping. Plant physiologic stress is documented where hydrologic changes occur, and much of the wetland loss could be attributed to the effects of soil waterlogging on plants, not to sediment deprivation.
Aspiring principal perceptions: are mentor principals modeling standards‐based leadership?

The purpose of this study was to explore how often 159 practicing teachers enrolled in a university Master's degree principal preparation program observed their mentor principals model the four mandated Texas standards‐based instructional leadership competencies for the principalship. The competencies focus on leadership through curriculum and planning, nurturing and sustaining the instructional program, implementing a staff evaluation plan and applying decision‐making skills. Findings on the four competencies ranged from a high of 59.1% to a low of only 44.7% of the participants who indicated that they observed their mentor principals modeling these four competencies at least ‘usually.’
Hot‐Stage Study of Bubble Formation During Binder Burnout

A technique for observing bubble formation during binder burnout in ceramics processing has been developed using the hot-stage microscope. Four sets of samples were designed to meet different objectives of the study. Bubble nucleation, growth, and shrinkage were observed. Influencing factors, such as initially trapped gas bubbles, amount of residual solvent, ceramic powder surface, and heating rate were studied.
FGF signaling and target recognition in the developing xenopus visual system

Abstract We report that the growth cones of Xenopus retinal ganglion cells express fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and that bFGF stimulates neurite extension from cultured retinal neurons. Furthermore, bFGF is abundant in the developing optic tract but is reduced in the optic tectum. To test whether FGF signaling plays a role in axonal guidance in vivo, bFGF was exogenously applied to the developing optic pathway in "exposed brain" preparations. FGF-treated retinal axons navigate normally through the optic tract, but the majority veer aberrantly at the tectal border and by-pass the target. Our results implicate FGF signaling in target recognition and suggest that diminished levels of bFGF in the tectum cause arriving axons to slow their growth.
Multicore assemblies potentiate magnetic properties of biomagnetic nanoparticles.

Biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that are both stable and amenable to chemical modification with targeting ligands continue to emerge as important materials in biomedical research.[1–5] MNPs provide an efficient contrast mechanism for biological targets; as most biological samples have intrinsically low magnetic susceptibility, only MNP-labeled objects will respond to external magnetic stimuli. Such properties have led to the widespread use of MNPs, for example, in cell sorting and bioseparation,[6, 7] medical diagnosis,[8–10] imaging,[11–14] and therapeutics.[15, 16]
Recombinant hirudin for unstable angina pectoris: A multicenter, randomized angiographic trial

BACKGROUND Coronary artery thrombosis plays an important pathophysiological role in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction. To date, heparin and thrombolytic therapy has not provided complete or consistent benefit. We hypothesized that recombinant hirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, would prevent accumulation of coronary artery thrombus in a manner superior to heparin. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with rest ischemic pain, abnormal ECG, and baseline angiogram indicating a > or = 60% stenosis of a culprit coronary artery or saphenous vein graft with visual appearance of thrombus were randomized to one of two different doses of heparin (either a target activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT] of 65 to 90 or 90 to 110 seconds) or one of four doses of hirudin (0.05, 0.10, 0.20, or 0.30 mg.kg-1.h-1 infusion) in a dose-escalating protocol. After 72 to 120 hours of study drug, a repeat coronary angiogram was obtained, and the paired studies underwent quantitative analysis. The primary end point was change in the average cross-sectional area of the culprit lesion. Other efficacy end points also involved changes in culprit lesion dimensions and TIMI flow grade. Recombinant hirudin led to a dose-dependent elevation of aPTT that appeared to plateau at the 0.2-mg/kg dose. A higher proportion of hirudin-treated patients had their aPTT within a 40-second range (16% heparin versus 71% hirudin, P CONCLUSIONS Recombinant hirudin appears to be a promising antithrombotic intervention compared with heparin for inhibition of coronary artery thrombus. Large-scale comparative trials are warranted.
Axtell, a new CV3 chondrite find from Texas

We describe a previously unreported meteorite found in Axtell, Texas, in 1943. Based on the mineralogical composition and texture of its matrix and the sizes and abundance of chondrules, we classify it as a CV3 carbonaceous chondrite. The dominant opaque phase in the chondrules is magnetite, and that in refractory inclusions is Ni-rich metal (awaruite). Axtell, therefore, belongs to the oxidized subgroup of CV3 chondrites, although unlike Allende it escaped strong sulfidation. The meteorite bears a strong textural resemblance to Allende, and its chondrule population and matrix appear to be quite similar to those of Allende, but its refractory inclusions, thermoluminescence properties, and cosmogenic Co-60 abundances are not. Our data are consistent with a terrestrial age for Axtell of approximately 100 years and a metamorphic grade slightly lower than that of Allende.
Special Session - What is Rigorous Research in Engineering Education?

This Interactive Session will provide an active learning environment where participants will: Compare and contrast rigorous research in engineering disciplines and rigorous research in engineering education, and Discuss how the six principles described in Scientific Research in Education can be applied to engineering education research.
Insulin Resistance and the Metabolic Syndrome

Insulin resistance is defined as an impaired biological response to the actions of insulin.1 It was classically described as resistance to insulin mediated glucose uptake in peripheral cells. However, as the metabolic and mitogenic processes of insulin action are better understood, abnormal insulin action in these pathways is being elucidated. Thus, impaired biological response to insulin may be associated with either endogenous or exogenous insulin and can be quantified by changes in several metabolic processes, including carbohydrate, lipid, or protein metabolism or by changes in mitogenic processes.2
Abnormal Reproductive Development in Rats after Neonatally Administered Antiestrogen (Tamoxifen)

The antiestrogen tamoxifen, administered to newborn female rats, caused gross abnormalities in reproductive development. Vaginal opening was early, cycles were absent and at 4 months of age all ovaries and uteri were atrophic while oviducts showed severe squamous metaplasia with abscess formation. No overt malignancy was detected at this early age, but these results and similar findings with nafoxidine and clomiphene may suggest caution in the use of antiestrogens and similar compounds during possible pregnancy.
Reinvestigation of the Vitamin A Requirements of Laying and Breeding Hens and Their Progeny

Abstract ON THE basis of the available evidence from quantitative studies, the Committee on Animal Nutrition of the National Research Council (1954) has estimated the vitamin A requirements to be 1,200 U.S.P. units per pound of diet for growing chickens, and 2,000 U.S.P. units per pound of diet for laying and breeding hens. The results of individual studies on which these estimates are based have varied widely. The sources of vitamin A activity used in the various studies on requirement were fish oils, alfalfa meals and/or yellow corn, all of which were unstable to some degree, especially after mixture in the experimental diets. Even with the precaution of frequent diet mixing, the instability of the vitamin or its precursors introduced considerable uncertainty into the quantitative estimates of requirement. Recently, efforts in industry have been directed toward the development of vitamin A preparations which are highly stable in diet mixtures and under…
Public Information and Citizen Involvement

: Public information, an important contributer to citizen involvement in the governmental decision making process, has traditionally been given a low priority by government agencies. However, citizens are becoming increasingly concerned about governmental decisions that affect their lives and are demanding more information about governmental activities, including information about water resource issues, Because of this active citizen interest and involvement, the role of public information in increasing citizen awareness is becoming more important. Government officials and professionals should recognize that public information efforts also play an important role in achieving increased credibility and respect for their agencies. Once an agency recognizes the importance of public information and decides to initiate a public information program, careful planning is required to develop a program that addresses the needs of both the citizens and the agency. Two of the most flexible and cost effective ways to get information to the publie are through publications and public meetings. Both can be easily adapted to suit the needs of specific audiences and projects. A successful public information program can be carried out at a relatively low cost, but it requires a substantial amount of time and energy. The commitment of time and energy for this purpose is a good investment, however, because an effective public information program can play a significant role in improving the quality of governmental decisions through the increased involvement of the citizenry.
Selective Arterial Calcium Stimulation With Hepatic Venous Sampling Differentiates Insulinoma From Nesidioblastosis

Context: In adult patients with endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and negative or inconclusive noninvasive imaging, insulinoma and non-insulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemic syndrome (NIPHS) resulting from diffuse nesidioblastosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis. It is not known whether the biochemical results of selective arterial calcium stimulation (SACST) with hepatic venous sampling can differentiate insulinoma from diffuse nesidioblastosis. Objective: To determine the specificity of SACST with hepatic venous sampling in differentiating insulinoma from diffuse nesidioblastosis. Design: Retrospective review (January 1996 to March 2014). Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 116 patients with biochemical evidence of endogenous hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and negative or inconclusive noninvasive imaging who were subsequently shown at surgery to have insulinoma (n = 42) or nesidioblastosis (n = 74) after undergoing SACST with hepatic veno...
Outsourcing Moral Authority: The Internal Secularization of Evangelicals' Anti-Pornography Narratives

Based on content analysis of the popular evangelical magazine Christianity Today, I show that while evangelicals’ outward opposition to pornography has remained steady and robust across the period 1956 to 2010, nonetheless, during this same time, evangelicals’ anti-pornography narratives have become increasingly secular. Through using and expanding Chaves’s notion of internal secularization, I demonstrate how these narratives have become decreasingly legitimated through religious forms of moral authority such as scriptural prohibitions and derivative ideas about God’s plan for society, and increasingly legitimated through secular forms of moral authority such as humanistic conceptions of individual rights and of psychological health. I refer to this type of internal secularization as the process of outsourcing moral authority, and I discuss the theoretical significance of this process for potential investigations of a range of other moral narratives.
Homeostatic Adjustment and Metabolic Remodeling in Glucose-limited Yeast Cultures

We studied the physiological response to glucose limitation in batch and steady-state (chemostat) cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by following global patterns of gene expression. Glucose-limited batch cultures of yeast go through two sequential exponential growth phases, beginning with a largely fermentative phase, followed by an essentially completely aerobic use of residual glucose and evolved ethanol. Judging from the patterns of gene expression, the state of the cells growing at steady state in glucose-limited chemostats corresponds most closely with the state of cells in batch cultures just before they undergo this "diauxic shift." Essentially the same pattern was found between chemostats having a fivefold difference in steady-state growth rate (the lower rate approximating that of the second phase respiratory growth rate in batch cultures). Although in both cases the cells in the chemostat consumed most of the glucose, in neither case did they seem to be metabolizing it primarily through respiration. Although there was some indication of a modest oxidative stress response, the chemostat cultures did not exhibit the massive environmental stress response associated with starvation that also is observed, at least in part, during the diauxic shift in batch cultures. We conclude that despite the theoretical possibility of a switch to fully aerobic metabolism of glucose in the chemostat under conditions of glucose scarcity, homeostatic mechanisms are able to carry out metabolic adjustment as if fermentation of the glucose is the preferred option until the glucose is entirely depleted. These results suggest that some aspect of actual starvation, possibly a component of the stress response, may be required for triggering the metabolic remodeling associated with the diauxic shift.
Pyridoxamine, an inhibitor of advanced glycation and lipoxidation reactions: a novel therapy for treatment of diabetic complications.

Pyridoxamine (PM), originally described as a post-Amadori inhibitor of formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), also inhibits the formation of advanced lipoxidation end-products (ALEs) on protein during lipid peroxidation reactions. In addition to inhibition of AGE/ALE formation, PM has a strong lipid-lowering effect in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and Zucker obese rats, and protects against the development of nephropathy in both animal models. PM also inhibits the development of retinopathy and neuropathy in the STZ-diabetic rat. Several products of reaction of PM with intermediates in lipid autoxidation have been identified in model reactions in vitro and in the urine of diabetic and obese rats, confirming the action of PM as an AGE/ ALE inhibitor. PM appears to act by a mechanism analogous to that of AGE-breakers, by reaction with dicarbonyl intermediates in AGE/ALE formation. This review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanism of formation of AGE/ALEs, proposes a mechanism of action of PM, and summarizes the results of animal model studies on the use of PM for inhibiting AGE/ALE formation and development of complications of diabetes and hyperlipidemia.
Efficient Simulation of Wireless Networks Using Lazy MAC State Update

Scalable and efficient network simulation methods are the method of choice for evaluating and verifying wireless network protocols on a moderate to large scale. This need becomes obvious when simulating very large-scale wireless networks such as emerging ad hoc sensor networks in which the number of nodes can be the order of thousands or more, and with very high node density. Unfortunately, simulation of such large-scale wireless networks often requires excessively large amounts of computing resources and can be slow to complete. One approach to achieving higher performance in a large-scale network simulation is the use of parallel or distributed simulation techniques. However, the efficient distributed simulation of wireless ad hoc networks is still a daunting task. Therefore, we turn our attention to more traditional sequential simulation methods, and seek to reduce the overhead incurred in the medium access control (MAC) state update propagation between wireless nodes. We introduce a novel method called LAMP (lazy MAC state update), that substantially reduces this overhead, with no loss of accuracy. Using our wireless network simulation tool, we compare the efficiency of the LAMP approach to the more traditional approach, and show a performance improvement of up to a factor of eight, with no loss of accuracy.
Use of tamoxifen in asymptomatic patients with recurrent small-volume ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objectives . Tamoxifen, a well-tolerated oral hormonal agent with biological activity in ovarian cancer, is a potentially attractive option in asymptomatic patients with recurrent disease. Unfortunately, the clinical utility of the drug in this specific setting has not been well documented. Patients and methods . A retrospective review was conducted of patients with cancers of the ovary, fallopian tube, and primary cancer of the peritoneum at the Cleveland Clinic who experienced recurrence of the malignancy, in the absence of large volume disease (by physical exam and radiographic evaluation) or any cancer-related symptoms , and who received tamoxifen (20 mg [most patients] or 40 mg/day) before re-initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Results . Fifty-six patients (45 after primary chemotherapy; 12 after second-line treatment) satisfied the criteria noted above. The median duration of treatment was 3 months (range 1–30 months), with 42% and 19% of patients remaining on tamoxifen for ≥6 and ≥12 months, respectively. Reasons for discontinuation were equally divided between three causes: (a) continued rise in CA-125 antigen level without symptoms or other objective signs of cancer; (b) evidence of progressive disease by physical exam or radiographic evaluation in the absence of symptoms; and (c) development of cancer-related symptoms. Conclusion . In the absence of data from a randomized controlled trial which defines optimal management of the asymptomatic ovarian cancer patient with documented recurrent disease , tamoxifen is a rational management option, although it remains unknown if the delay in subsequent administration of chemotherapy in some individuals for periods greater than 6–12 months results from a direct effect of this agent or simply reflects the natural history of disease in a subset of patients in this clinical setting.
Role of the BioMedicus Pump and Distal Aortic Perfusion in Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

We reviewed the role of the BioMedicus pump in the reduction of neurologic complications following the repair of Type 1 and Type 2 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Since 1991, we have used several different methods for the repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms including simple cross-clamping, selective use of the BioMedicus pump, cardiopulmonary bypass with or without profound hypothermia, and most recently, distal aortic perfusion using the BioMedicus pump combined with cerebral spinal fluid drainage. This latter method has been the most promising in rectifying the side effects of aortic clamping and in providing the time necessary for thorough thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. On our service, the ongoing study of the BioMedicus pump and distal aortic perfusion in conjunction with cerebral spinal fluid drainage has shown that these adjuncts can extend the tolerance of the spinal cord to ischemia and lower the overall rate of neurologic complications for Type 1 and Type 2 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs to a rate of 5% (early results) and 3% (late results). We highly recommend distal aortic perfusion using the BioMedicus pump combined with cerebral spinal fluid drainage for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
Characterization of Human Cytomegalovirus Glycoprotein-Induced Cell-Cell Fusion

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is dependent on the functions of structural glycoproteins at multiple stages of the viral life cycle. These proteins mediate the initial attachment and fusion events that occur between the viral envelope and a host cell membrane, as well as virion-independent cell-cell spread of the infection. Here we have utilized a cell-based fusion assay to identify the fusogenic glycoproteins of CMV. To deliver the glycoprotein genes to various cell lines, we constructed recombinant retroviruses encoding gB, gH, gL, and gO. Cells expressing individual CMV glycoproteins did not form multinucleated syncytia. Conversely, cells expressing gH/gL showed pronounced syncytium formation, although expression of gH or gL alone had no effect. Anti-gH neutralizing antibodies prevented syncytium formation. Coexpression of gB and/or gO with gH/gL did not yield detectably increased numbers of syncytia. For verification, these results were recapitulated in several cell lines. Additionally, we found that fusion was cell line dependent, as nonimmortalized fibroblast strains did not fuse under any conditions. Thus, the CMV gH/gL complex has inherent fusogenic activity that can be measured in certain cell lines; however, fusion in fibroblast strains may involve a more complex mechanism involving additional viral and/or cellular factors.
Extent and patterns of community collaboration in local health departments: An exploratory survey

Local public health departments (LHDs) in the United States have been encouraged to collaborate with various other community organizations and individuals. Current research suggests that many forms of active partnering are ongoing, and there are numerous examples of LHD collaboration with a specific organization for a specific purpose or program. However, no existing research has attempted to characterize collaboration, for the defined purpose of setting community health status priorities, between a defined population of local officials and a defined group of alternative partnering organizations. The specific aims of this study were to 1) determine the range of collaborative involvement exhibited by a study population of local public health officials, and, 2) characterize the patterns of the selection of organizations/individuals involved with LHDs in the process of setting community health status priorities. Local health department officials in North Carolina (n = 53) responded to an exploratory survey about their levels of involvement with eight types of possible collaborator organizations and individuals. Descriptive statistics and the stochastic clustering technique of Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) were used to characterize their collaboration. Local health officials vary extensively in their level of collaboration with external collaborators. While the range of total involvement varies, the patterns of involvement for this specific function are relatively uniform. That is, regardless of the total level of involvement (low, medium or high), officials maintain similar hierarchical preference rankings with Community Advisory Boards and Local Boards of Health most involved and Experts and Elected Officials least involved. The extent and patterns of collaboration among LHDs with other community stakeholders for a specific function can be described and ultimately related to outcome measures of LHD performance.
New Ways to Use DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Ongoing analysis of the seminal AZA-001 study has taught many important lessons in the use of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors. The data emphasize the importance of patience in the use of these drugs, with several cycles required for the manifestations of hematologic responses. Improved survival in patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) treated with azacitidine extends to patients with any International Working Group-defined hematologic response; however, the benefit to patients with stable disease is less clear. A great deal remains to be learned about the optimal dosing and scheduling of the DNMT inhibitors, alone and in combination. New information on the impact of DNMT inhibitors on the immune system and on stem cells will likely lead to novel uses of these drugs in MDS and other hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies.