cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
P112 Can Food-Based Learning Activities Improve Head Start Preschool Children's Vegetable Intake?

Background Low vegetable consumption is often observed among low-resource families who are also at risk for overweight/obesity. Repeated exposure to vegetables in the preschool setting has been shown to increase vegetable intake and decrease neophobia among children. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hands-on, food-based learning activities on Head Start (HS) children's (aged 3-5) vegetable intake as measured by skin carotenoid levels (reflection spectroscopy (RSL)). Study Design, Settings, Participants Eleven HS classrooms located in Eastern North Carolina participated in this quasi-experimental study. Intervention children were exposed to seven hands-on food-based activities (Oct-Jan) designed to expose them to 10 target vegetables high in beta-carotene. The sample included 87 HS children (Intervention (I) = 33; Control (C) = 49). Children were 58.5% male, Black (81.7%), and 3.80 (SD = .61) years. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Researchers collected demographics and RSL data from at baseline and post-intervention. Descriptives and multiple linear regression were used to analyze data. Dependent variable = change in RSL levels; independent variables = gender, age, baseline BMI, and intervention versus control. Results No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. No significant changes in RSL were observed between groups at post-intervention. RSL in both groups declined (I = 3.54%; C = 12.73%) with a smaller decline observed in the intervention group. Results revealed that only age (F(4,81) = 1.83; Adjusted R2 = .05; 3 years P = .02; 4 years P = .04) was predictive of change in RSL levels. Larger changes in skin carotenoids were observed among 5-year-olds. Conclusion Food-based learning approaches that increase exposure to healthy foods has been shown to positively impact children's dietary intake. Our findings indicated preschooler's age group may be a significant predictor of the effectiveness of food-based learning on vegetable intake. More research is to explore the impact of food-based learning in different age groups on preschool children's dietary intake in a larger sample. Funding East Carolina University.
Methods for detecting manipulations in 3D scan data

Abstract While interest in using 3D scanning technology for crime scene investigation (CSI) has grown in recent years, a number of barriers still remain that prevent its wide adoption in the criminal justice system. One such barrier comes from the lack of tools that can validate a 3D scan and verify that it has not been manipulated. While a great deal of research has gone into the detection of manipulations for 2D images, the detection of manipulations for 3D scenes has yet to be fully realized. This paper introduces a series of techniques to detect if a 3D point cloud generated from a LiDAR scan has been subsequently manipulated. These techniques exploit fundamental structures inherent in the collection and storage of these types of data. While the proposed techniques are able to detect a number of different types of manipulations, their limitations are also discussed. The goal of this work is to provide a foundation for the creation of a validation toolkit that can ensure 3D scan data is valid and unaltered.
Scribble and Discs-large direct initial assembly and positioning of adherens junctions during the establishment of apical-basal polarity

Apical-basal polarity is a fundamental property of animal tissues. Drosophila embryos provide an outstanding model for defining mechanisms that initiate and maintain polarity. Polarity is initiated during cellularization, when cell-cell adherens junctions are positioned at the future boundary of apical and basolateral domains. Polarity maintenance then involves complementary and antagonistic interplay between apical and basal polarity complexes. The Scribble/Dlg module is well-known for promoting basolateral identity during polarity maintenance. Here, we report a surprising role for Scribble/Dlg in polarity initiation, placing it near the top of the network-positioning adherens junctions. Scribble and Dlg are enriched in nascent adherens junctions, are essential for adherens junction positioning and supermolecular assembly, and also play a role in basal junction assembly. We test the hypotheses for the underlying mechanisms, exploring potential effects on protein trafficking, cytoskeletal polarity or Par-1 localization/function. Our data suggest that the Scribble/Dlg module plays multiple roles in polarity initiation. Different domains of Scribble contribute to these distinct roles. Together, these data reveal novel roles for Scribble/Dlg as master scaffolds regulating assembly of distinct junctional complexes at different times and places.
Combined effects of predation, flow speed, and sub-lethal exposure to insecticide on the feeding behavior of a spionid polychaete

Abstract Behavioral responses of infauna to predation have received limited study, especially in varying hydrodynamic conditions above estuarine sediments. Many estuaries also are impacted by chemical pollution, including runoff of terrestrial insecticides such as chlorpyrifos. We tested how feeding behaviors of a tube-dwelling, interface-feeding worm, Polydora cornuta, change due to predation by an omnivorous estuarine fish, Fundulus parvipinnis, in the contexts of hydrodynamic regime and sub-lethal exposure to chlorpyrifos. We performed two experiments in a laboratory flume at two flow speeds (6 or 15 cm s−1). We analyzed feeding behaviors of P. cornuta when F. parvipinnis were either actively feeding on the worms, caged upstream to prevent predation, or absent from the flume. In our first experiment, the presence of actively feeding F. parvipinnis reduced the time P. cornuta spent feeding by half relative to when fish were absent. Fish caged upstream had no effect on worms' feeding activity, indicating that P. cornuta reduced their feeding in response to tactile stimuli or sensing light shadows, rather than chemical alarm cues. Our second experiment tested the effects of actively feeding F. parvipinnis on the feeding behaviors of P. cornuta that had undergone a 96-h exposure to chlorpyrifos. Worms exposed to chlorpyrifos reduced feeding relative to unexposed worms, but only in the absence of predatory fish. Flow speed also influenced worms' behavior, with worms preferentially suspension feeding at the faster flow. In both experiments, individual worms that were observed to be attacked by F. parvipinnis resumed feeding approximately 10–11 min after the attack. The combined results demonstrate that the close proximity of actively feeding fish has a consistently greater effect on the feeding behavior of an infaunal polychaete than does sub-lethal exposure to a toxicant or variation in water flow.
Ternary Compounds In RE(Au,Ga)2 and RE(Ag,Ga)2 Alloys

A series of intermetallic compounds was examined, ranging from R.E.Au2 or R.E.Ag2 to R.E.Ga2, where R.E. includes Gd-Lu and Sc. Alloys were arc melted under argon and homogenized at 700°C. Debye-Scherrer X-ray patterns were taken with Cu and Cr radiation, and indexing was verified by comparing dc,do,Ic and 1o.
MAST CELL MEDIATED VASCULAR REMODELING IN FLOW-ASSOCIATED PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Introduction In the lungs of animal models for and patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) increased numbers of mast cells have been demonstrated. We hypothesized that mast cell activation induces progression of pulmonary vascular remodeling. To test this hypothesis, we inhibited mast cell activation in a rat model of flow-associated PAH via treatment with a mast cell stabilizer (Cromolyn). Methods Flow associated PAH was created in rats by injection with monocrotaline (60 mg/kg) followed by an abdominal aorto-caval shunt 1 week later. Rats were randomized into 2 groups: PAH (n = 13), PAH+ Cromolyn (PAH + Cromo n = 10 daily injections). Rats injected with saline followed by sham surgery served as controls (CON, n = 13). Three weeks later pulmonary hemodynamics, pulmonary vascular remodeling and number of mast cells in the lungs were assessed. Results Compared to PAH, pulmonary vasculature of cromolyn-treated rats showed decreased medial wall thickness (3,9±0,4 mm in PAH vs. 2,1±0,5 mm in PAH + Cromo, p Conclusion In our model of flow-associated PAH in rats, we showed that inhibition of mast cell mobilization and activation using a mast cell stabilizer decreased pulmonary vascular remodeling. We speculate that attenuation of mast cell proliferation may be beneficial in flow-associated PAH.
Abstract 3863: CODEX high-multiplex imaging reveals distinct tumor microenvironment in mouse melanoma models associated with response to immunotherapy

In order to identify the determinants of melanoma resistance to immunotherapies and predictive biomarkers, we developed a series of immunocompetent syngeneic mouse models that represent diverse subtypes of human melanoma exhibiting a range of sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies (Perez-Guijarro et al, BioRxiv 2019). Comparative genomic and immunological analysis identified that melanoma plasticity as well as T cell dysfunction and exclusion programs strongly correlated with ICB resistance. However, how interactions between tumor and immune cells influence therapeutic efficacy is still unknown. To address this question, we used CODEX high-multiplex imaging technology that enables quantitative detection of 20+ markers at single cell level resolution preserving spatial context. CODEX does not require cell isolation that may result in variable cell loss. Furthermore, the whole tissue imaging provides insights into tumor/stroma and cellular heterogeneity. Fresh frozen tissues (n=3 for each model) were stained with a panel of 16 antibodies to identify major immune cell phenotypes including cytotoxic and helper T cells, B cells, and subsets of myeloid cells. Quantitative single cell level analysis of images was performed with HALO (Indica Labs) and multiplex analysis viewer (MAV) (Akoya Biosciences) software. Preliminary analysis identified unique tumor architecture, immune cell densities and distribution in each model. Although we found high diversity in the vasculature (CD31+), proliferation (Ki67+) and number of infiltrating leukocytes (CD45+) between the models, these were not associated with resistance. In contrast, high infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and dendritic cells was associated with response to ICBs. These results validated tumor analyses by FACS and gene signatures of immune cells. In addition, CODEX imaging revealed heterogeneity and complex spatial organization in the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, ICB-resistant tumors exhibited compact tumor structure with less stroma infiltration and lack of melanin expression, while ICB-sensitive tumors had complex, nodular and pigmented structures, indicating different differentiation status. Our data also suggested that myeloid phenotypes and functional compartment interactions may contribute to the response to ICBs. The study is expected to provide a higher resolution profiling of tumor-immune cell interactions and facilitate mechanistic understanding of resistance to immune checkpoint therapy. Citation Format: Noemi Kedei, Eva E. Perez-Guijarro, Jin-Qiu Chen, Chi-Ping Day, Mariam Q. Malik, David J. Goldstein, Glenn T. Merlino. CODEX high-multiplex imaging reveals distinct tumor microenvironment in mouse melanoma models associated with response to immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 3863.
Staying Inspired in Difficult Times

This issue's column suggests a few new releases to prompt professional reflection and renewal.
ASCL1 drives induction of a transitory cell state required for repair of the injured neonatal brain

Summary The underlying molecular foundation of neural progenitor diversity and plasticity is critical for understanding repair processes. The neonatal cerebellum with multiple progenitor populations has high regenerative potential. Upon ablation of cerebellar granule cell progenitors at birth, a normally gliogenic Nestin-expressing progenitor (NEP) in the Bergmann glia (Bg) layer (BgL-NEPs) undergoes adaptive reprograming to restore granule neuron production while a white matter NEP (WM-NEPs) reduces interneuron production. However, the cellular states and genes regulating the NEP fate switch are not known. Here using scRNA-seq and fate-mapping, we defined the molecular subtypes of NEPs and their lineages under homeostasis and repair. Five NEP populations comprising two molecular subtypes, Hopx-expressing gliogenic- and Ascl1-expressing neurogenic-NEPs were identified in both states. Furthermore, in the WM, distinct NEP populations generate interneurons or astrocytes, and amongst gliogenic-NEPs, astrocyte and Bg lineages are molecularly separable. Importantly, we uncovered that after injury a new transitory cellular state arises from Hopx-NEPs in the BgL that is defined by initiation of expression of the neurogenic gene Ascl1. Moreover, Ascl1 is required for adaptive reprogramming and the full regenerative capacity of the cerebellum. We thus define new populations of NEPs and identifed the transcription factor responsible for inducing a transitory cell critical for a glial to neural switch in vivo following injury.
Sex Differences in HFpEF

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) disproportionately affects women. Though no unifying theory exists to explain this phenomenon, the purpose of this review is to explore the many factors that likely contribute to this female predominance. Inflammation and microvascular ischemia are increasingly thought to play a role in promoting HFpEF, as is the presence of cardiometabolic traits including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. All of these factors are more common in women. Female-specific risk factors, including a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and sequelae of breast cancer therapy, can further contribute to a woman’s risk. No targeted therapies exist for the management of HFpEF, but some therapies, including sacubitril/valsartan, have shown differential benefit in women. Though women with HFpEF have better outcomes than men, they have worse self-reported quality of life. More work is required to address these and other sex disparities. This review summarizes what is known about the pathophysiology of HFpEF, leading theories to explain this female predominance, sex-specific differences in the objective findings of HFpEF, outcomes, and response to therapies, and what work remains to be done.
Deconstructing Invisible Walls: Sotomayor’s Dissents in Era of Immigration Exceptionalism

Since 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court has granted certiorari and considered twenty immigration cases. In 2019, the Supreme Court issued eight decisions focusing on immigration issues. There are many different theories accounting for the proliferation of immigration cases on the Supreme Court’s docket. Some immigration scholars attribute the proliferation to the decline of the plenary powers doctrine, while others attribute the increase in the Executive Branch’s unilateral actions restricting immigration in the United States. With the proliferation of immigration cases before the Supreme Court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor has emerged as a strong voice of dissent. Over the past few terms, Sotomayor has written more dissents than any other Justice. The article examines how Justice Sotomayor’s recent immigration dissents force us to grapple with how the long standing plenary powers doctrine has privileged borders over our most sacred legal commitments – constitutional rights and adherence to rule of law. This article argues that Justice Sotomayor’s immigration decisions provide a significant break in historical deference to executive actions and are forcing us to re-conceptualize the ways in which the immigration system has historically has abrogated the rights of immigrants of color.
Examining the Inclusion of Race and Ethnicity in Patient Cases.

Health disparities continue to exist in the United States, with the most significant differences occurring between racial groups. Racial health disparities are largely a result of the strong association between race and structural inequities - the systematic differential in the distribution of power, resources, opportunities, and exposures across racial populations. The use of case-based learning is common practice in pharmacy education, with race often included out of convention. In some cases, race is included to inform treatment based on guidelines developed from epidemiological and clinical studies that link race to disease by conferring biological significance to race categories. This continuing use of race/ethnicity to guide treatment contributes to racial health disparities, and may further perpetuate existing provider implicit bias. This paper discusses the pedagogical approach of using patient cases; convention, propriety, and implications of including race in patient cases; and guides pharmacy educators on how to utilize information on race.
Second life and recycling: Energy and environmental sustainability perspectives for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Second life and recycling of retired automotive lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have drawn growing attention, as large volumes of LIBs will retire in the coming decade. Here, we illustrate how battery...
Infiltrative Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Natural History and Comparison with Multifocal, Nodular Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The purpose of this study was to delineate infiltrating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to compare patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, and outcomes with patients presenting with HCC tumors of discrete, nodular morphology at a similar stage. Patient demographic and tumor characteristics of 224 patients diagnosed with infiltrative or advanced discrete, nodular HCC at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center were collected between January 2005 and December 2011. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment regimens, and overall survival were analyzed between the two groups. Overall, 135 patients were diagnosed with infiltrative HCC compared with 89 patients with either T3a or T3b nodular, discrete HCC. Infiltrative HCC patients were more likely to have symptoms at presentation compared with the nodular HCC cohort, (95 vs. 78 %; p < 0.001). No difference in underlying liver function or etiology of liver disease between cohorts was observed. Patients with infiltrative HCC were more likely to have metastatic disease (53 vs. 35 %; p = 0.007) and malignant venous thrombus (75 vs. 62 %; p < 0.001) compared with the nodular group. Infiltrative HCC had a median survival of 1.9 months compared with 4.3 months in the nodular HCC group (p < 0.0001). Within the infiltrative HCC cohort, symptoms [hazard ratio (HR) 7.2, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.9–27], Child–Pugh class C (HR 3.9, 95 % CI 2.1–7.1), hepatic thrombus (HR 5.6, 95 % CI 1.9–16), and lack of treatment (HR 5.6, 95 % CI 2.1–14.6) were associated with worse survival. Infiltrative HCC had a worse outcome than nodular, discrete HCC most likely secondary to burden of tumor manifested by extrahepatic metastases, vascular invasion, higher α-fetoprotein levels, and a high degree of symptoms.
A sneak peak into the neurologic complications associated with H1N1 influenza

The numbers of hospitalizations, multiorgan complications, and deaths continued to rise during the H1N1 influenza pandemic. Although there are several reports of H1N1 influenza associated neurologic complications in all ages, there is no clear suggestion that the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus is associated with a disproportionate amount of neurologic illness beyond that observed with seasonal influenza. We describe the serious neurologic complications of children hospitalized with H1N1 influenza in Houston, Texas during the 2009 season. We retrospectively studied five hospitalized children with neurological complications who were polymerase chain reaction positive for the H1N1 virus. In these five children, two had stroke (ischemic and/or hemorrhagic), two had seizures, and three had encephalopathic features. Regarding the outcome, improvement in neurological function occurred in four and one child died. These five children with neurologic complications represented 21% of the children with H1N1 influenza admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit.
Development of a transplantable mouse myeloid leukemia model system: a preliminary report.

Research progess has been hindered in some areas of carcinogenesis because of a lack of consistant biological markers that distinguish cancer from normal cells. Cell lines derived from x-ray induced RFM mouse myeloid leukemia were studied for the purpose of first identifying the genetic differences (by chromosome analysis) between leukemic and normal cells and second, developing a transplantable leukemia model system. Among the cell lines analyzed, one of them (MLI) appeared to be useful in development of such a model. In addition to two chromosome abnormalities, cell line MLI also has a large abnormal chromosome which may be useful as a biological marker for these leukemic cells. This marker was identified by banding study to be an isochromosome 8 derived from centromeric translocation of two chromosome 8s. Upon injection of 4 x 10/sup 6/ leukemic cells into RFM mice symptoms of leukemia appeared from 18 days onwards and mice would begin to die of leukemia from 21 days onwards. The presence or absence of the metacentric marker chromosome was the criteria for inequivocal identification of leukemic from co-existing normal cells in these two tissues. The ratio of these cell populations was quantitated and the time-dependent increase of the ratios wasmore » indicative of progression of leukemia. Thus, this transplantable myeloid leukemia model system may be useful in studying the proliferation of leukemic cells and the response of the co-existing cells to therapeutic agents. (ERB)« less
Chapter 13. Bacterial Penicillin-Binding Proteins

Publisher Summary Penicillin and other β-lactam antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth by binding to specific transpeptidases that crosslink peptidoglycan, the rigid bag-like macromolecule, responsible for the mechanical strength of the bacterial envelope. Penicillin acts as a steric analogue of the pentapeptide chain in growing peptidoglycan, forming a stable penicilloyl–enzyme complex with peptidoglycan transpeptidase. In contrary to the steric analogue model, penicillin acts as a transition-state analogue or a k cat inhibitor. Penicillin-binding protein (PBP) studies have significantly improved understanding of the mechanism of action of β-lactam antibiotics. At the cellular level, they have helped elucidate some of the processes involved in bacterial cell-wall biosynthesis and morphogenesis. At the molecular level, they have contributed to the understanding of intrinsic antibiotic activity and have provided the framework for structure–activity relationships. Penicillin-sensitive enzyme (PSE) studies have focused on DD-carboxypeptidases, non-essential PBPs that are plausible models for the interaction of penicillin with its targets. Together, PBP/PSE studies represent an approach to the rational design of the inhibitors of bacterial cell-wall biosynthesis. This chapter discusses the properties of PBPs in some of the better studied bacteria of clinical importance. The role of individual PBPs in bacterial susceptibility/resistance is also discussed in the chapter.
Talking out the rage: an ego‐supportive intervention for work with potentially abusive parents

Child abuse experts agree that the single factor ultimately responsible for child maltreatment is the inability of parents to control their aggressive impulses. This paper describes a verbalizing, ego-supportive intervention for work with potentially abusive parents. It is designed to give parents increased understanding of the experience of parenting and greater control over their angry impulses. The intervention is based on two well-supported premises: anger towards one's children is natural and inevitable; and putting angry feelings and thoughts into words significantly diminishes the tendency to put them into action. The engagement, ego-building and prevention benefits of the intervention are discussed.
The induction of cephalic differentiation in regenerating Dugesia dorotocephala in the presence of the normal head and in unwounded tails.

Abstract It has been possible to induce the differentiation of a secondary head at the posterior level of regenerating Dugesia dorotocephala even though the original head was present anteriorly. This was done by treating intact worms with colcemide (deacetylmethylcolchicine) for a day, sectioning the worms just in front of the pharynx, embedding the worms in slabs of agar, and placing the slabs so that the heads of the sectioned worms were immersed in a solution of colcemide for 1 or 2 days. The worms were then removed and maintained in tap water. Formation of complete secondary heads at the posterior cut surface occurred 4–8 days after the time of posterior sectioning in about 3% of the worms. The differentiation of heads from unwounded planarian tails was also obtained. In these experiments the worms were cut just back of the pharynx, the tail pieces were embedded in agar, and the agar slabs were so placed in solutions of β-mercaptoethanol and colcemide that the anterior sectioned ends of the worms were immersed in the solutions. After 18 hours to 4 days of exposure, the tail pieces were removed and maintained in tap water. Complete cephalic differentiation in the uncut tails occurred in 4 of 36 of the β-mercaptoethanol cases. These results are discussed in reference to the effect of colcemide in obliterating the normal anterior-posterior axial gradient of incorporation of C14O2 into the protein fraction of intact worms.
Bitewing radiographs and dentists' treatment decisions

A study involving twenty-one general dentists in private practice in Rochester, New York, was performed to assess the relationship between radiographic evidence of caries and restorative intervention in permanent teeth. Seven thousand three hundred thirty-eight bitewing radiographs taken of 387 patients over the most recent 10-year period were obtained and independently examined by six Eastman Dental Center faculty members as to presence of restorations and caries status of nonrestored proximal surfaces. Patients 20 years of age and younger had significantly lower mean maximum caries penetration scores before restorative treatment when compared to older patients. For all age groups, the mean maximum caries penetration scores indicated that, on the average, restorative treatment was initiated before there were radiographic changes in dentin. There were no differences among the dentists in the study regarding the mean elapsed time between radiographic caries diagnosis and restorative treatment. The random distribution and low number of apparent caries reversals, and the subsequent restoration of 25% of these teeth, suggested that the dentists in this study did not employ systematic remineralization strategies for their patients.
Importance of an Acid Milieu in the Sucralfate-Induced Gastroprotection against Ethanol Damage

Sucralfate is known for its gastroprotective properties in humans and rats, but the importance of intragastric pH in this protection is a subject of controversy. This study, performed on healthy young volunteers and rats, was designed to compare the gastroprotective effects of sucralfate with those of sucralfate combined with ranitidine or of sucralfate adjusted to pHs varying from 1 to 7. In humans the mucosal damage induced by 40% ethanol spray after 4 days of pretreatment with placebo, sucralfate (1 g four times daily), ranitidine (150 mg three times daily), or the combination of sucralfate plus ranitidine was evaluated by means of endoscopy with mucosal biopsy and histologic examination. Sucralfate alone reduced the endoscopic score significantly (compared with placebo) and prevented deep necrotic lesions. Neither ranitidine alone nor its combination with sucralfate prevented ethanol-induced endoscopic and histologic mucosal changes. In rats acute gastric lesions were induced by 100% ethanol. Sucralfa...
Methylpiperidine analog of hemicholinium-3: a selective, high affinity non-competitive inhibitor of sodium dependent choline uptake system

The potency of hemicholinium-3 (HC-3) and its analogs to inhibit sodium dependent high affinity choline uptake were evaluated in rat striatal synaptosomal preparation. Hemicholinium-3 inhibited sodium dependent high affinity choline uptake (IC50 = 18 nM) while the half molecule of HC-3, HC-15, was inactive. The order of potency for choline uptake inhibition of piperidine substituted HC-3 molecule was as follows: 4-methylpiperidine (A-5 and CA-5) much greater than HC-3 much greater than unsubstituted piperidines (CA-1 and A-1) much greater than 2- or 3-methylpiperidine (A-2 and A-3) and 4-hydroxypiperidine (A-7). The tertiary amine derivative of 4-methylpiperidine substituted HC-3 (A-4) was nearly 10-fold less potent than its corresponding quaternary derivative (A-5). Choline uptake was inhibited competitively by HC-3 and non-competitively by A-5. The inhibition of choline uptake by A-5 was readily reversible by washing. A-5 did not inhibit the uptake of dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. These findings suggest that the N-methyl,4-methylpiperidine analog of HC-3 (A-5) is the most potent of all known inhibitors of sodium dependent high affinity choline uptake and that the inhibition of choline uptake by this compound is mediated through a mechanism distinct from a simple competitive one.
Cherney versus midline vertical incision for myomectomy or hysterectomy of a significantly enlarged uterus

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether a different in clinical outcome could be demonstrated with the choice of Cherney versus vertical incision in patients undergoing surgical treatment of large benign uterine myomas. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty consecutive patients underwent hysterectomy or myomectomy for a large (five or more times normal size) myomatous uterus through a Cherney incision. A pathologist blinded for clinical outcome matched the specimens removed from the Cherney group with 20 others removed through vertical incisions during the corresponding period on the basis of specimen weight alone. A chart review was undertaken to determine significant demographic and outcome variables, with particular attention to clinical course and operative complications. RESULTS: The groups were similar in age, race, parity, body mass index, preoperative hematocrit, associated illnesses, type of anesthesia and anesthetic agents, associated surgical fiindings, and associated surgical procedures. No significant differences were detected in the duration of anesthesia, surgical procedure or hospital stay, volume of perioperative blood loss, narcotic analgesic usage, or the number of minor or major complications. Trends toward greater blood loss, transfusion, and complications in the vertical group may have been related to exposure, whereas longer duration of surgery and greater postoperative analgesic use were seen with Cherney incisions. CONCLUSION: No clinical difference could be demonstrated with incision choice in a group of 40 patients having surgical treatment of large uterine myomas.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF MIXING IN A T-CHANNEL FOR ASYMMETRIC INLET CONDITIONS

An experimental investigation of water flow in a rectangular T-channel with inner dimensions of 20 × 20 mm (inlet channel) and 20 × 40 mm (outlet mixing channel) has been conducted. The inlet Reynolds number Re, based on inlet hydraulic diameter, ranged from Re1 = 90 to 775. Inlet flow conditions were asymmetric, and inlet Re ratios of Re1/Re2 = 1.24, 1.65 and 2.45 were obtained by varying volumetric flow rate. Dynamical conditions and T-channel geometry are directly applicable to microscale mixing. Planar laser induced fluorescence (LIF) was used to characterize flow regimes and behaviors, including periodicity, in the inlet and outlet channels. Two distinct flow regimes were identified and characterized for asymmetric inlet Re. For low inlet Re, Re1 ≤ 150, and all Re1/Re2, flows were steady. For higher Re and all Re1/Re2, a jet flow regime, characterized by two counter rotating vortices and increasingly turbulent at higher Re dominated the flow in the junction. Qualitative mixing characteristics for all flow regimes, based on LIF visualizations in the outlet channel, are also presented.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Histone-mimetic polyplexes for targeted intracellular delivery during gene transfer

The field of gene therapy has garnered significant interest over the past two decades as a method for revolutionizing the treatment of various diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and many types of cancer. In recent years non-viral methods of delivery have received particular attention because of their low toxicity and improved controllability as compared to viral vectors. However, inefficient trafficking to the nucleus is a common cause of limited DNA delivery. Improving the efficacy of non-viral vectors necessitates thorough understanding of their endocytic uptake and subcellular trafficking behavior. Nature's own mechanisms for gene packaging and transfer have stimulated strong interest in histone proteins. Building on histone biology and recognizing the need for improved control of cellular delivery, we have developed a gene transfer method that utilizes native, histone-based processing pathways.
Near solvable signalizer functors on finite groups

Recently Gorenstein and Lyons obtained the first nonsolvable signalizer functor theorems [9]. They pinpointed certain “unbalancing” problems. This paper grew from an attempt to manage such problems. Theorem A is the result. Theorem B and Corollary C give some measure of the practical scope of Theorem A. Suppose p is a prime, A is an elementary Abelian p-subgroup of a finite group G, and 8 is an A-signalizer functor on G. The unbalancing difficulties, referred to above, occur only if there are “certain” nonidentity subgroups X of G, such that C,(A) is solvable. Using methods of Glauberman [S, Lemma 2.11 and Theorem 4.51 we are able to reduce the problem: either the “unbalancing” problems vanish or O(C,(A)) is solvable. The latter case is treated in [ 131. The rest of the work is treated here. This work pivots on Theorems 5.16 and 6.5, results which closely resemble [5, Lemma 2.11 and Theorem 4.5 1.
Gene expression and oligodendrocyte development in the myelin deficient rat.

The proteolipid proteins play a major role in the structure of the CNS myelin sheath, but they have also been implicated in the oligodendrocyte development leading to myelination. Mutations in the PLP gene result in severe dysmyelination and a paucity of mature oligodendrocytes. The myelin deficient (md) rat, carrying a Thr75? Pro substitution present in both isoforms of proteolipid protein (PLP and DM20), is the most severely affected of the PLP mutants described to date. The expression of myelin associated genes was quantitated to determine the effect of the mutation on oligodendrocyte development in vivo. At 5 days postnatal, gene expression in the and rat approximated that in age-matched control rats, but as they matured, there was a progressive inhibition of gene expression in the and rats. The genes expressed late in the myelination program (PLP and MBP) were affected more dramatically than those expressed earlier in oligodendrocyte development (CNP and GPDH). The results indicate that the later stages of oligodendrocyte maturation and myelin elaboration are inhibited. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Model of Economic Growth with Induced Bias in Technical Progress

This paper examines Kennedy's theory of induced invention [9] and presents a growth model with induced bias in technical progress. It develops various parameters in the neoclassical production structure with disembodied technical change to measure the rate of technical progress and provides some basic relations among these parameters. What emerges is that in the neoclassical version there are many ways to interpret the parameters of an invention possibility frontier. In particular, this paper argues that if the parameters are interpreted as the proportionate rates of reduction in the input coefficients at a constant rate of profit, the frontier corresponds most closely to the original Kennedy one. The paper then incorporates the neoclassical version of the Kennedy frontier into an aggregate model of economic growth. It is found that, if technical progress is factoraugmenting, the steady-state equilibrium is globally stable irrespective of the elasticity of factor substitution. This result differs significantly from those obtained in Drandakis and Phelps [6], Samuelson [14], Amano [2], etc. Thus the present model provides a case of induced Harrod-neutral technical change. It demonstrates that the problem of choosing a particular kind of frontier becomes critical in the application of Kennedy's theory of induced invention. Finally, some fundamental points on the choice of a particular type of frontier and the implications of holding a frontier stationary over time are suggested.
Incorporating organizational factors into risk assessment through the analysis of work processes

Abstract It is proposed that the impact of organizational factors on nuclear-power-plant safety can be determined by accounting for the dependence that these factors introduce among probabilistic safety assessment parameters. The work process analysis model (WPAM) is presented as an analytical tool, in which these dependencies are investigated via work processes. In this paper, WPAM is applied to pre-accident conditions within the framework of the maintenance work process.
Mammary neoplasia in the female rat after neonatal and-or adult 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene administration.

SummaryAt 175 days of age it was found that DMBA given to female Sprague-Dawley rats at 2 days of age was followed by a high incidence of mammary fibroadenoma. DMBA given at 52 days of age was followed by a high incidence of mammary adenocarcinoma. When both DMBA treatments were given to the same animals, the mammary adenofibroma incidence was much the same as in the rats given only DMBA at 2 days of age and mammary adenocarcinoma incidence was much the same as in animals given only DMBA at 52 days of age. No significant interaction between two doses of DMBA given at both 2 and 52 days of age on mammary neoplasia was noted.
The utilization of 13C and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the study of the sorbitol pathway and aldose reductase inhibition in intact rabbit lenses

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been utilized in the study of the metabolism of intact, functioning rabbit lenses maintained in organ culture. The sorbitol pathway and aldose reductase inhibition have been studied using carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy. Incubation of lenses in high concentration [1-13C] glucose medium with and without added inhibitors allows the sorbitol pathway and glycolysis to be monitored. Various aldose reductase inhibitors have been studied and are ranked based on percentage of inhibition as follows: tolrestat greater than or equal to sorbinil greater than sulindac greater than sulindac sulfide much greater than indomethacin greater than acetylsalicylic acid greater than quercetin greater than tandearil greater than salicylic acid greater than 3,3-Tetramethyleneglutaric acid (TMG). It has been demonstrated that 13C NMR spectroscopy provides an effective method of screening potential inhibitors of aldose reductase. The aspirin substitutes ibuprofen and acetaminophen have been studied and are found to reduce sorbitol accumulation in intact rabbit lenses. The effects of myo-inositol and vitamin E on sorbitol accumulation have also been investigated. Results suggest that the various metabolic pathways within the lens are intricately connected. In a preliminary manner, the effect of diabetes on metabolism in intact lenses has been investigated using 13C NMR spectroscopy. Increased sorbitol production has been observed for diabetic lenses. 31P NMR spectroscopy has also been utilized in the study of lens metabolism and aldose reductase inhibitors. Inclusion of various inhibitors in the high concentration glucose medium results in maintenance of essentially normal phosphorus-containing metabolite levels in the lens. No clear relationship was observed between lens clarity and phosphorus metabolite levels as determined using NMR.
Unidirectional interaction between flurothyl seizures and amygdala kindling

In this report, the interaction between flurothyl convulsions and electrical kindling of the amygdala was investigated. Three flurothyl convulsions decreased the afterdischarge threshold of the amygdala and enhanced the rate of development of electrical kindling without affecting the intensity of postictal refractoriness. On the other hand, 3 generalized kindled convulsions did not alter the flurothyl convulsive threshold. The data suggest that the influence of generalized convulsions on future seizure susceptibility may depend on the agents used to induce the convulsions.
Recurrent meningitis in a 38-year-old man with cirrhosis

A Sy he had a nonfocal neurologic examination. At that time, computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head was unremarkable. Table 1 presents lumbar puncture (LP) results on admission (LP 1). Ceftriaxone was administered intravenously, and the patient’s symptoms resolved after the first hospital day. He received antibiotics for 4 days. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures remained negative, and the patient was discharged with the diagnosis of aseptic meningitis, presumed to be of viral etiology He remained well until a few days prior to the second admission when his symptoms recurred. The patient had a history of heavy alcohol use, hepatitis C infection, and liver cirrhosis and had undergone portocaval shunt placement 2 years prior to the first admission for aseptic meningitis. He was a former injection drug user. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had been negative 4 months prior to admission. A tuberculin skin test (PPD) had been positive 12 years earlier, at which time he received prophylactic therapy. He had been born in New York City and had traveled to Puerto Rico three times, the last time being several years earlier. On physical examination at the second admission his temperature was 103”F, his neck was supple, and there was no indication of adenopathy, papilledema, or sinus tenderness. The patient was alert and oriented, according to a nonfocal neurologic examination. The white blood cell count was 5100/mm3 with a normal differential, the hematocrit was 33%, and the platelet count was 123,000/mm3. The serum total protein and albumin were 6.5 and 2.5 mg/dL, respectively. Other routine laboratory values were within normal range, including serum
Discourse and Dialogue between Americans and Canadians—Who is Talking to Whom?

For all of our pressing our noses up against the glass of American prosperity and achievement, we cherish our separateness—our unassuming civility, our gift of irony and understatement in a world o...
Notes on the Kinsey Scale

Scholars are familiar with the 7 points of the Kinsey Scale (KS)—whole integers, 0 to 6—but are unaware of several facts about the KS. First, most ratings were not self-ratings, but assigned by interviewers after the interview. Second, there was an X category given to individuals who did not respond sexually to either heterosexual or homosexual stimuli. Third, part of the subsample with extensive homosexual experience was asked a specific self-rating question. Sometimes this self-rating resulted from a brief discussion between interviewer and interviewee; occasionally the self-rating was overriden by the interviewer. Finally, even though the choices presented to an interviewee were the familiar 0 to 6, intermediate values—such as “1–2” or “4–5”—were permitted. Such intermediate self-ratings often occurred with frequencies exceeding those for the neighboring round numbers. Thus, the detailed psychometric properties of the original KS remain to be established.
Fault geometry and earthquakes in continental interiors

Abstract Although large earthquakes in continental interiors are much less frequent than those along plate boundaries, they have been responsible for a disproportionate amount of destruction. I present a testable model for strain accumulation and seismicity in the upper crust of continental interiors. Intersecting faults provide a focus for strain build-up, resulting in local pockets of high strain accumulation. Rigid plates typically deform at strain rates 10−10 to 10−9 strain yr−1, but at intersecting fault zones, strain accumulates at anomalously high rates of 10−8 to 10−7 strain yr−1, i.e., the strain rates are comparable with those at plate boundaries. The resulting large earthquakes are associated with relatively short return times (hundreds of years). Typically one of the intersecting faults appears to split and to offset the other `main' fault (defined as a fault on which the larger offset occurs), forming two parallel strands separated by a jog. I also observe a rotation of one leg of the `main' fault with respect to the other. The region of intersection is usually associated with intense fracturing, increased microseismicity and uplift.
Luminescence enhancement of colloidal quantum dots by strain compensation

We have investigated the effects of two different strain-relief bilayer shell structures on the luminescent properties of colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs). CdSe QDs with a strain-compensated ZnS/ZnCdS bilayer shell were synthesized using the successive ion layer adsorption and reaction technique and their crystallinity of was examined by X-ray diffraction. The QDs enjoyed the benefits of excellent exciton confinement by the ZnS intermediate shell and strain compensation by the ZnCdS outer shell. The resulting CdSe/ZnS/ZnCdS QDs exhibited 40% stronger photoluminescence and a smaller peak redshift upon shell growth compared to conventional CdSe/ZnCdS/ZnS core/shell/shell QDs with an intermediate lattice adaptor. CdSe/ZnS/ZnCdS QD light-emitting diodes (LEDs) had a luminance of 558 cd/m2 at 20 mA/cm2, 28% higher than that of CdSe/ZnCdS/ZnS QD-LEDs. The former also had better spectral purity. These results suggest that nanocrystal shells may be strain-engineered in a different way to achieve QDs of high crystalline and optical quality well suited for full-color display applications.
Both B and T lymphocytes may be clonally involved in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia

A combination of magnetic cell sorting (MACS) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques was used to detect clonal cytogenetic markers in different myeloid and lymphoid cell types of the peripheral blood from 4 patients with myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) that was associated with either a 13q− or a 20q− karyotypic abnormality. Interphase cytogenetics studies demonstrated abnormal clonal FISH signal patterns in neutrophil, myeloid, erythroid, megakaryocyte, and B- and T-cell preparations in 3 of the 4 patients. In one patient, FISH results were within normal limits in T cells and slightly abnormal in B cells. In general, the percentage of abnormal nuclei was variable in both lymphocyte populations but always higher in B lymphocytes compared with T lymphocytes. The current study provides direct evidence for the clonal involvement of both B and T lymphocytes in MMM. A larger study is needed to clarify the relevance of the observed interpatient heterogeneity in clonal constitution.