cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 231: The polyphenolic plant lignan secoisolariciresinol diglycoside reduces mammary tumor growth, possibly via inhibition of local inflammatory signaling

Background: Secoisolariciresinol diglycoside (SDG) is a polyphenolic plant lignan found in flax and sesame seeds as well as legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. It is metabolized by the gut bacteria into two major enterolignans: enterolactone (ENL) and enterodiol (END). These enterolignans have been associated with reduced breast cancer risk and progression in population studies as well as decreased tumor growth in preclinical models of breast cancer. Methods: The impact of SDG supplementation on tumor growth in a mouse model of basal-like breast cancer was examined. C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet (10% kcal from fat) or control diet with SDG supplementation (100 mg/kg food) for eight weeks, then both groups were orthotopically injected with E0771 mammary tumor cells. An inflammatory signaling qPCR array (Qiagen) was performed on mammary tissue distal to tumor. Tumors were stained by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Ki67 to measure proliferation levels and phospho-p65 to determine inflammatory signaling pathway activation. Tumors and mammary tissue were also stained for F4/80 to quantify macrophage infiltration. Serum level of hormones, adipokines, and cytokines were measured via luminex assay (Bio-Rad). Results: SDG supplementation significantly decreased tumor weight (p Conclusions: SDG supplementation reduced mammary tumor growth in association with SDG’s effects on local, but not systemic, inflammatory signaling. Citation Format: Claire G. Lineberger, Laura W. Bowers, Nikki A. Ford, Emily L. Rossi, Bruce K. Kimler, Carol J. Fabian, Stephen D. Hursting. The polyphenolic plant lignan secoisolariciresinol diglycoside reduces mammary tumor growth, possibly via inhibition of local inflammatory signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 231. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-231
Query Processing in 3D Spatial Databases: Experiences with Oracle Spatial 11g

Falling costs in laser scanning equipment have made it easier to acquire 3D representations of real world entities as high-density point clouds, which may then be generalized to compact forms such as TINs, meshes, surfaces and solids. Scaling to the sizes of such large point clouds is becoming increasingly impossible for desktop applications. Sensing the need for a scalable database management of such 3D data, Oracle developed the 3D Spatial Engine in Oracle 11g. In this paper, we first present the overall architecture and functionality of the 3D Spatial Engine and introduce new geo-referenced data types for scalable storage and management of point clouds, TINs, and 3D vector geometries. We then focus on efficient processing of queries on these data types using a 2-stage filtering. For the second-stage filtering on 3D data, we propose and evaluate various techniques for efficiently answering different types of 3D queries such as anyinteract and distance. We note that to compare the points of point-cloud block or TIN block efficiently with the query, a spatial index may be useful but the creation cost is high. Our experiences are as follows: (1) For an anyinteract query, R-tree based processing is only required when both data and query geometries have large numbers of sub-elements. (2) For a distance query, an R-tree based evaluation is always helpful. We also propose a novel vertex-avoiding ray shooting algorithm for the point-in-solid function.
L2-gain of double integrators with saturation nonlinearity

This paper uses quadratic surface Lyapunov functions to efficiently check if a double integrator in feedback with a saturation nonlinearity has ℒ2-gain less than γ > 0. We show that for many such systems, the ℒ2-gain is non-conservative in the sense that this is approximately equal to the lower bound obtained by replacing the saturation with a constant gain of 1. These results allow the us of classical analysis tools like μ-analysis or IQCs to analyze systems with double integrators and saturations, including servo systems like some mechanical systems, satellites, hard-disks, CD players, etc.
Towards Informing an Intuitive Mission Planning Interface for Autonomous Multi-Asset Teams via Image Descriptions

Establishing a basis for certification of autonomous systems using trust and trustworthiness is the focus of Autonomy Teaming and TRAjectories for Complex Trusted Operational Reliability (ATTRACTOR). The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) team is working to capture and utilize the multitude of ways in which humans are already comfortable communicating mission goals and translate that into an intuitive mission planning interface. Several input/output modalities (speech/audio, typing/text, touch, and gesture) are being considered and investigated in the context human-machine teaming for the ATTRACTOR design reference mission (DRM) of Search and Rescue or (more generally) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The first of these investigations, the Human Informed Natural-language GANs Evaluation (HINGE) data collection effort, is aimed at building an image description database to train a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). In addition to building an image description database, the HMI team was interested if, and how, modality (spoken vs. written) affects different aspects of the image description given. The results will be analyzed to better inform the designing of an interface for mission planning.
Characterizations of the Classical Grassmann Spaces

Although Grassmannians are parapolar spaces, here are three characterizations of Grassmann spaces which do not assume that fact. The first starts with a point-line geometry with a partition M = A + B of the maximal singular subspaces, such that each line lies on exactly one space from each component and that a certain intersection property holds. Finally, a member of one of the classes, say A, is assumed to possess a finite saturated chain of subspaces. It is not assumed that the members of M are projective spaces; this fact emerges by showing the existence of symplecta via Cooperstein’s theory of the previous chapter. A second characterization utilizes the first through a “diagonal axiom.” The third recasts a theorem of Sprague, replacing his assumption of a line with finitely many points with the existence of a finite saturated chain of subspaces in one of the residues. Sprague’s “Linear-Dual Linear” theorem appears in the exercises in this infinite context. A footnote reveals how an implicit assumption of (Int) has caused a misreading of his theorem.
MR Receptor Imaging of the Liver

Superparamagnetic iron oxides can be directed to specific organs and tissues for MR imaging by strategies such as receptor targeting. Targeting iron oxides to hepatocyte receptors rather then to liver macrophages allows delivery of a larger fraction of iron oxide to liver, increases tumor-liver contrast as most receptors are absent on malignant tumors, and allows the direct assessment of hepatocyte function. Thus receptor imaging represents a new dimension to the application of MR imaging. The feasibility of receptor imaging is shown in animal models of a) liver cancer, b) diffuse liver disease, and c) liver infarcts.
Epstein-Barr Virus Variants at Mucosal Surfaces

Latent infection of human B lymphocytes by EBV provides the bulk of our conceptual framework regarding EBV pathogenesis, but offers few insights into the mechanisms behind life-long shedding of virus from the oropharynx or the dynamics of EBV persistence. Earlier studies from this and other laboratories demonstrated that epithelial cells, unlike lymphocytes, are permissive for EBV replication (1–3). We have now begun to investigate viral factors, perhaps unique to mucosal epithelium, which might influence the outcome of infection in these two tissues. This search was predicated on the detection by nucleic acid hybridization of replicating EBV at oropharyngeal and genital sites, but often in the absence of demonstrable transformation activity intrinsic to standard EBV in primary lymphocyte culture (2,4). We therefore pursued the notion that distinct EBV biotypes may participate in oropharyngeal infection and B lymphocyte immortalization. To avoid the selection bias for immortalizing strains inherent in lymphocyte culture, we used the polymerase chain reaction to analyze EBV DNA directly from mucosal secretions. By this approach, we have demonstrated naturally occurring counterparts to what have generally been considered irrelevant spontaneous laboratory deletion mutants.
The Application of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy to the Study of Membranes

Infrared spectroscopy has been a late addition to the spectroscopic inventory of the membrane biophysicist. The reason has been the presence of water. Biological membranes not only encompass a range of widely different molecular structures, but like most biological structures require an aqueous environment whereby water is not only the solvent of choice, but often part of the molecular structure itself. Water which does not impair spectroscopic measurements using the NMR, ESR, UV or Raman techniques is a strong infrared absorber, a fact which has precluded or severely limited the application of conventional infrared spectroscopy to the study of biological systems.
Demonstration and Evaluation of Hybrid Microalgae Aqueous Conversion Systems for Biofuel Production

As an effort to develop affordable and sustainable energy sources, algae-derived biofuels have attracted considerable interest. As use of individual conversion processes targeting a subset of bioch...
P118 : HEART TRANSPLANT AFTER ANTIBODY REDUCTION WITH BORTEZOMIB AND PLASMAPHERESIS IN A HIGHLY SENSITIZED PATIENT

Aim To describe the case of a successful heart transplant in a highly sensitized individual by antibody reduction with bortezomib and plasmapheresis. Methods A 38 year old female patient with a pre-transplant cPRA of 81% (Class I & II) was desensitized with 5 sessions of plasmapheresis and two doses of bortezomib. The alloimmune status was determined by solid phase single antigen and phenotype bead based assays. Post transplant follow up included endocardial biopsies and DSA monitoring. Results The patient’s class I and class II PRAs decreased from 81% to 44% and 31% respectively by day 6 of desensitization. The overall strength of HLA antibodies was also reduced. A prospective crossmatch was performed with a local donor. The crossmatch was technically negative, but the Flow median Channel Shift (MCS) was closer to the positive cut off value. The patient underwent another PP and was tested and crossmatched again when the MCS was significantly below the positive cutoff value. The patient received the transplant and is doing well 18 months post transplant. Conclusions This case report demonstrates the potential efficacy of bortezomib therapy in addition to plasmapheresis to transplant highly sensitized patient awaiting heart transplant. Because of limitations with the prospective crossmatch for heart transplant candidates, desensitization of the potential recipient to increase the likelihood for an acceptable donor by depleting pre-existing antibodies against the unacceptable antigens is an attractive option. Plasmapheresis and IVIG in combination with rituximab has been utilized in kidney transplant recipients with a living donor; however, candidates awaiting a deceased donor represent a significant immunological and logistical challenge. Rituxan does not deplete circulating plasma cells that produce antibodies. Bortezomib has been shown to induce plasma cell apoptosis. However, its use prior to heart transplant has been limited. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of bortezomib-based desensitization strategy in heart transplant set up. Patient is currently pursuing her degree as an echo technician.
Epigenetics and epilepsy prevention: The therapeutic potential of adenosine and metabolic therapies

Prevention of epilepsy and its progression remains the most urgent need for epilepsy research and therapy development. Novel conceptual advances are required to meaningfully address this fundamental challenge. Maladaptive epigenetic changes, which include methylation of DNA and acetylation of histones - among other mechanisms, are now well recognized to play a functional role in the development of epilepsy and its progression. The methylation hypothesis of epileptogenesis suggests that changes in DNA methylation are implicated in the progression of the disease. In this context, global DNA hypermethylation is particularly associated with chronic epilepsy. Likewise, acetylation changes of histones have been linked to epilepsy development. Clinical as well as experimental evidence demonstrate that epilepsy and its progression can be prevented by metabolic and biochemical manipulations that target previously unrecognized epigenetic functions contributing to epilepsy development and maintenance of the epileptic state. This review will discuss epigenetic mechanisms implicated in epilepsy development as well as metabolic and biochemical interactions thought to drive epileptogenesis. Therefore, metabolic and biochemical mechanisms are identified as novel targets for epilepsy prevention. We will specifically discuss adenosine biochemistry as a novel therapeutic strategy to reconstruct the DNA methylome as antiepileptogenic strategy as well as metabolic mediators, such as beta-hydroxybutyrate, which affect histone acetylation. Finally, metabolic dietary interventions (such as the ketogenic diet) which have the unique potential to prevent epileptogenesis through recently identified epigenetic mechanisms will be reviewed. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
Micro-scale experimental investigations of multiphase flow in oil-wet carbonates. II. Tertiary gas injection and WAG

Abstract Carbonate reservoirs are typically oil-wet, which can lead to low oil production during the oil recovery processes such as base waterflooding. The residual oil in these reservoirs is the target of many EOR techniques such as tertiary gas injection and Water-Alternating-Gas (WAG) flooding. Currently, there is scarce research investigating the pore-scale displacement physics governing the afore-mentioned EOR techniques in oil-wet carbonates. In this study, three sets of miniature core-flooding experiments were performed in carbonate samples at elevated pressure and temperature conditions using a three-phase core-flooding system integrated with a high-resolution X-ray micro-CT scanner. Pore-scale displacement events governing tertiary gas injection and WAG under weakly oil-wet conditions were examined. The prevailing oil mobilization mechanisms during the tertiary gas injection were further investigated under varying wettability conditions. The results revealed that gas-to-oil-to-brine double displacement is the main displacement chain for oil production by tertiary gas injection. During this process, the greater was the degree of oil-wetness of the rock, the larger became the additional oil recovery that could be achieved. This was due to the increase in the frequency of gas-to-oil-to-brine double displacements and the superior connectivity of the oil phase under stronger oil-wet conditions. Furthermore, WAG flooding significantly increased the displacement efficiency of both gas and brine phases because of the shielding effect of the trapped gas ganglia. In the first WAG cycle, oil was produced through a series of direct and double displacements. Multiple displacements started taking place and further contributed to oil recovery as more WAG cycles were implemented.
Developing core education principles for rehabilitation professionals in response to the opioid crisis: an example from physical therapy education.

We describe how educators in one state developed a set of core principles for the education of Doctor of Physical Therapy students in response to the opioid crisis, and we present these principles ...
Time to Include Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in the Management of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is today the most common cause of chronic liver disease and second only to viral hepatitis as a cause of liver transplantation in the U.S. (1,2). It encompasses conditions from simple steatosis (NAFL), believed to be associated with slow disease progression, to the more severe and progressive form known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is characterized by hepatocellular injury in the form of hepatocyte ballooning (necrosis) and predominantly lobular inflammation. The severity of hepatic fibrosis is defined in stages. They range from stage F0, or no fibrosis, to mild (stage F1), moderate (stage F2, with zone 3 sinusoidal fibrosis plus periportal fibrosis), or advanced fibrosis, with bridging fibrosis (stage F3) or cirrhosis (stage F4). NASH may lead to cirrhosis and to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, but even moderate-to-severe fibrosis (F2-F3) is associated with higher mortality (1,2). Advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis occur more often in obesity but, in particular, in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (3). Endocrinologists should be aware that patients with NAFLD are also at a two- to threefold increased risk of both progression from prediabetes to diabetes and development of cardiovascular disease (4,5). Taken together, there is a consensus that patients with T2D and NASH are at a much higher risk of hepatic and extrahepatic morbidity and premature death than in the absence of liver disease. Within this context, Younossi et al. (6) report in the current issue of Diabetes Care an important study on the clinical and economic burden of NASH in patients with T2D in the U.S. This is so far the most comprehensive effort to systematically outline the magnitude of the problem in patients with diabetes. The authors used 2017 annual direct medical costs attributed to diagnosed diabetes reported by the …
Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab combination therapy in patients with radioiodine-refractory (RAIR), progressive differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC): Results of a multicenter phase II international thyroid oncology group trial.

6512Background: Lenvatinib is an approved therapy for patients with RAIR DTC. While the overall response rate (ORR) is high, few patients achieve a complete response (CR) and most patients eventual...
Thermal Guanidine Metathesis for Covalent AdaptableNetworks

We demonstrate that a dynamic chemical reaction that we term thermal guanidine metathesis (TGM) can serve as the basis for covalent adaptable network (CAN) materials. CANs are a class of cross-link...
Postoperative Complication Rates Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) vs. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA): A Nationwide Analysis

Abstract Background Historically, anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) has been the gold-standard of care for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis refractory to nonoperative treatment. With expanding indications, utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been rapidly increasing. The purpose of this study was to use a nationwide patient database with contemporary data to identify and compare joint and systemic complication rates following primary TSA and RSA. Methods Patients records of patients receiving TSA or RSA were queried from PearlDiver (Fort Wayne, IN), a commercially available administrative claims database, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision (ICD-9/ICD-10) and Current Procedural Technology (CPT) codes. Incidences of postoperative joint complications were measured at 90-days and 1-year post-discharge. Incidences of systemic complications were measured at 90-days post-discharge. Complication rates were compared using logistic regression. Demographic data was also compared using chi-square analysis. Results From 2007 to 2017, a total of 17,681 patients received primary total shoulder arthroplasty: 8,846 (50%) received TSA and 8,835 (50%) received RSA. A greater proportion of patients that underwent RSA were female (p Conclusion Patients undergoing RSA exhibited higher rates of joint complications at both 90-days and 1-year post-discharge. These patients also experienced higher rates of systemic complications in the 90-day postoperative period, likely due to overall poorer health status. Level of evidence Level III; Treatment Study
Computational analysis of vertebrate myoglobins reveals aggregation resistance in aquatic birds and higher surface hydrophobicity in fish

Abstract Myoglobin is the major oxygen carrying protein in vertebrate muscle. Previous studies identified in secondarily aquatic mammalian lineages high myoglobin net charge, which serves to prevent aggregation at the extremely high intracellular myoglobin concentrations found in these species. However, it is unknown how aquatic birds that dive for extended durations prevent myoglobin aggregation at their high intracellular myoglobin concentrations. It is also unknown whether secondarily aquatic lineages reduced the surface hydrophobicity of their myoglobins to prevent aggregation. Here, we used a deep learning-predicted distance-based protein folding algorithm to model the tertiary structures of 302 vertebrate myoglobin orthologs and performed a comparative analysis of their predicted net charge and surface hydrophobicities. The results suggest that aquatic avian divers, such as penguins and diving ducks, evolved highly charged myoglobins to reduce aggregation propensity and allow greater storage of oxygen for extended underwater foraging. High myoglobin net charge was also identified in golden eagles, a species that routinely suffers high-altitude hypoxia. Although no general association was found between myoglobin surface hydrophobicity and intracellular concentration, comparison of predicted net charge and surface hydrophobicities revealed significant differences between major vertebrate classes; bird myoglobins are the most positively charge, reptile myoglobins are the most negatively charged, and the myoglobins of ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii) have higher surface hydrophobicity than those of lobe-finned fish (Sarcopterygii). Our findings indicate the convergent evolution of high myoglobin net charge in aquatic birds and mammals, and offer novel insights into the diversification of myoglobin among vertebrate clades.
Hypertension, Diabetes and Medication Adherence among the Older Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program Population:

The burdens of chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes for older Americans are profound. Yet, data on the population-level prevalence of hypertension and diabetes among the older adult S...
Role of physicochemical properties of some grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose on in vitro mucoadhesion.

Abstract Relationships between physicochemical properties of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) compacts and their in vitro mucoadhesive performances were investigated in this study. Some commercial grades of HPMC (K3, E3, E5, E50, K4M, E4M and K15M) were prepared into compacts, and their surface hydrophilicity and hydration behavior were characterized. The in vitro mucoadhesive performance was determined by the tensile strength between the compacts and different regions of mucosal membrane (buccal, sublingual, stomach, and intestine). Positive correlations were found between: (1) viscosity of HPMC compacts and contact angle in different simulated body fluids; (2) viscosity of HPMC compacts and in vitro mucoadhesive force; (3) contact angle and in vitro mucoadhesive force. The hydration increased with an increase in viscosity of HPMC compacts. The polar lipid content in mucosa was found to be an important factor affecting the mucoadhesion. Lower polar lipid amount in the mucosal membrane promoted the rate of mucoadhesive force with the increasing viscosity of HPMC. The mucoadhesive mechanism of various grades of HPMC compacts were studied using the thermodynamic analysis of Lifschitz-van der Waals (LW) interaction and Lewis acid-base (AB) interactions. The total free energy of adhesion ( Δ G TOT ) provided a prediction of an overall tendency of mucoadhesion, and deviated from the measured mucoadhesive force.
Orthogonal Linear Regression: Sample Parameters

Das Problem der othogonalen linearen Regression [1, 2], durch eine Menge vonn PunktenPi (xi,yi) ∈R×R eine Ausgleichsgeradeg so zu legen, das der orthogonale Abstand dieser PunktePi von der Geradeng im quadratischen Mittel minimal wird, kann sehr einfach gelost werden, wenn man jedem PunktPi die komplexe Zahlzi=xi+jyi zuordnet. Der zugehorige Algorithmus wird in FORTRAN IV angegeben.
The Word On The Street: Homeless Men In Las Vegas

Just beyond Las Vegas's neon and fantasy live thousands of homeless people, most of them men. To the millions of visitors who come to Las Vegas each year to enjoy its gambling and entertainment, the city's homeless people are largely invisible, segregated from tourist areas because it's good business. Now, through candid discussions with homeless men, analysis of news reports, and years of fieldwork, Kurt Borchard reveals the lives and desperation of men without shelter in Las Vegas. Borchard's account offers a graphic, disturbing, and profoundly moving picture of life on Las Vegas's mean streets, depicting the strategies that homeless men employ in order to survive, from the search for a safe place to sleep at night to the challenges of finding food, maintaining personal hygiene, and finding an acceptable place to rest during a long day on the street. He also elicits the men's own perceptions of the causes and consequences of homelessness, as well as their views on the city's homeless policies. That such misery and desperation exist in the midst of Las Vegas's hedonistic tourist economy and booming urban development is a cruel irony, according to the author, and it threatens the city's future as a prime tourist destination. The book will be of vital interest to Las Vegans concerned about social problems in their city, as well as to social workers, sociologists, anthropologists, politicians, and all those concerned about changing the misery on the street.
Using Microbial Succession to the Processor’s Advantage: Food Fermentation and Biocontrol

Food fermentation is one of humankind’s oldest methods of preservation. It is used to preserve, enhance, and add flavor to many different types of foods. In this chapter, the author examines the roles of microbes in fermentation and the general principles involved in fermentations, including how the primary fermentation organisms interact with the other microbes present in the fermentation and the roles these other microbes have in both product quality and safety. The types of substrate and fermented products can vary greatly, from fermented milk products that contain ethanol such as koumiss to the production of distilled beverages such as whiskey. A section focuses on beer and wine, two of today's most popular fermented products. The fermentation process in the case of cereals differs from the processes involved in vegetable, wine, and dairy fermentations in that it is conducted in order to create a more functional product, whereas the other fermentations are primarily conducted to increase the shelf life of the substrate. Interestingly, it was found that as with the bacterial populations, there were two separate phage-host populations, with phage from the heterolactic segment of the fermentation unable to infect bacteria from the succeeding homolactic fermentation.
Performance prototyping: a simulation methodology for software performance engineering

The authors describe a modeling methodology that extends software performance engineering to handle large multitasking applications. The objective was to provide throughput projections and design evaluation for a development team building an image/fax server intended to function in a larger distributed image processing application. Software performance engineering is reviewed. The methodology described integrates analytic modeling with real-time simulation to construct a performance prototype. The application of the methodology to the performance engineering of the image/fax server is reported. >
Effect of deposition energy on the microstructure and phase purity of pulsed laser deposited iron fluoride thin films

Conversion material electrodes, such as FeF2, possess the potential to deliver transformative improvements in lithium-ion battery performance because they permit a reversible change of more than one Li-ion per 3d metal cation. Nanostructured thin films provide a model platform for obtaining basic insight to the structural and chemical underpinnings of the phase conversion processes, provided that they can be grown with a high degree of phase purity and the required microstructure. The results from X-ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopies together with electron energy loss spectroscopy indicate that at low supersaturation and growth rate, porous films and secondary phases are obtained. Good phase purity and dense nanostructured films were obtained at high surface supersaturation. The growth mechanism is three dimensional and is governed by direct supersaturation of the growth surface and the number of stable critical nuclei formed at a given substrate temperature.
Comparison of multiplex, ELISA and immunofluorescence for detecting autoantibodies in JIA patients

Purpose Detection of antinuclear antibodies has traditionally been performed by immunofluorescence (IFA) on fixed culture cells or tissues with reactivity being reported as a fluorescence pattern associated to one or more nuclear antigens. For this study, we compared results from IFA testing with a multiplex antinuclear antibody assay on a panel of patient serum samples previously evaluated by 3 commercial ANA ELISAs. Methods Patient samples: Serum samples from 164 pediatric patients with JIA (82 pauciarticular, 63 polyarticular, 19 systemic) and 20 healthy children (autodonor samples) were tested according to manufacturer’s instructions for all methods. All specimens were stored at -80°C. Testing using 3 ANA ELISAs, IFA and multiplex were performed in batch to minimize freeze thaw cycles. IFA was performed on fixed HEp-2 cell substrate slides with fluorescence pattern and titer determined by an experienced medical technologist. ELISAs included the following antigen mixtures: Sm, RNP, SSA, SSB, Scl-70, JO-1, dsDNA, histones and centromere. The multiplex assay contained substrate beads for individual quantitative detection of antibodies to all of the antigens contained in the ELISAs and qualitative detection of ANA. Results
Vascularized axillary lymph node transfer: A novel model in the rat

Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a promising microvascular free flap technique for the surgical treatment of lymphedema. To date, few experimental animal models for VLNT have been described and the viability of lymph nodes after the transfer tested. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of axillary VLNT in the rat. Lymph node containing flaps were harvested from the axillary region in 10 Lewis rats based on the axillary vessels. Flaps were transferred to the ipsilateral groin and end-to-side microanastomosis was performed to the femoral vessels using 10-0 sutures. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was used to confirm flap perfusion. On postoperative day 7, flaps were elevated to assess their structure and vessel patency. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to confirm the presence and survival of lymph nodes. All animals tolerated the procedure well. Immediate post-procedure ICG angiography confirmed flap perfusion. No signs of ischemia or necrosis were observed in donor extremities. At postoperative day 7, all flaps remained viable with patent vascular pedicles. Gross examination and histology confirmed the presence of 3.6 ± 0.5 lymph nodes in each flap without any signs of necrosis. This study showed that the transfer of axillary lymph nodes based on the axillary vessels is feasible. The flap can be used without the need for donor animals and it contains a consistent number of lymph nodes. This reliable VLNT can be further utilized in studies involving lymphedema, transplantation, and induction of immunologic tolerance.
Sensory Regulation of the C. elegans Germline through TGF-β-Dependent Signaling in the Niche

The proliferation/differentiation balance of stem and progenitor cell populations must respond to the physiological needs of the organism [1, 2]. Mechanisms underlying this plasticity are not well understood. The C. elegans germline provides a tractable system to study the influence of the environment on progenitor cells (stem cells and their proliferative progeny). Germline progenitors accumulate during larval stages to form an adult pool from which gametes are produced. Notch pathway signaling from the distal tip cell (DTC) niche to the germline maintains the progenitor pool [3-5], and the larval germline cell cycle is boosted by insulin/IGF-like receptor signaling [6]. Here we show that, independent of its role in the dauer decision, TGF-β regulates the balance of proliferation versus differentiation in the C. elegans germline in response to sensory cues that report population density and food abundance. Ciliated ASI sensory neurons are required for TGF-β-mediated expansion of the larval germline progenitor pool, and the TGF-β receptor pathway acts in the germline stem cell niche. TGF-β signaling thereby couples germline development to the quality of the environment, providing a novel cellular and molecular mechanism linking sensory experience of the environment to reproduction.
Platelet activating factor amplifies human neutrophil adherence to bovine endothelial cells: evidence for a lipoxygenase dependent mechanism.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator that induces the release of leukotrienes and prostaglandins from various cells and tissues. We examined the capacity of PAF alone and in combination with soluble stimuli to enhance eicosanoid synthesis and adherence of human neutrophils. Neutrophils were preincubated with PAF and washed before exposure to the soluble stimuli F-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP), calcium ionophore A23187, and phorbol myristate acetate. Preincubation of neutrophils with 1μM PAF enhanced the release of both LTB4 and LTC4 in response to each of the three agonists, in contrast with the unprimed neutrophils. Priming was specific for PAF since lyso-PAF was inactive. Priming concentrations of PAF also augmented the adherence of neutrophils to endothelium in the presence of the soluble agonists A23187, phorbol myristate acetate, and FMLP. The priming effect of PAF on eicosanoid release and neutrophil adherence was shown to have similar time- and dose-dependent effects. Further, the priming effects of PAF on adherence could be reversed by preincubation of neutrophils with the lipoxygenase inhibitors nordihydroguiaretic acid and 5,8,11,14-ETYA but not by preincubation with the cycloxygenas e inhibitor indomethacin. These data demonstrate that PAF amplifies neutrophil adherence to endothelium through a lipoxygenase dependent mechanism.
The occurrence of Azolia in Colombia

Abstract A survey of the aquatic fern Azolla was completed in selected regions of the Republic of Colombia. Several warm lowland and valley areas contained Azolla . Specimens from twelve different sites were collected, the majority of which came from the southernmost sector of the Colombian Amazonas (and north-eastern Peru). Mineral constituent analyses of plant tissue revealed no regular variation in chemical composition among the different specimens.
Impact of a teaching OSCE on RIME skills

Abstract Introduction: To improve skills of 4th yr students in the evaluation of patients in shock, a new case-based practice OSCE station was developed. We hypothesized that student skills would improve and identified factors affecting OSCE performance. Methods: A practice OSCE /teaching session, based on R-I-M-E, was introduced to the Class of 2003 as a teaching tool, a practice test, and provide an opportunity for feedback. On the final OSCE, students were instructed to evaluate ICU flow sheets by identifying the abnormal data (Reporter), developing a problem list (Interpreter), and producing management recommendations (Manager). Student performance on the practice OSCE were compared with the final OSCE, and to the prior Class of 2002 (n = 86). The variables assessed for impact on the final OSCE performance were clerkship site, block (time of year), prior performance on NBME subject exam and an OSCE during the 3 rd year clerkship, and the effect of the practice OSCE. Results: 107 of 108 students completed the practice OSCE session. Student skills improved significantly on the final OSCE as compared with the practice OSCE in the Reporter, Interpreter and Manager categories. The Reporter, Interpreter and Manager scores on practice and final OSCEs correlated (R = 0.5, 0.2 and 0.3; p rd year clerkship also affected Reporter skills. Clerkship site was not a significant factor. Conclusion: Student skills improved after introduction of a practice OSCE/teaching session. Application of RIME principles in a teaching OSCE may help to improve learning in complex patient scenarios. TABLE—ABSTRACT 3 . (Mean % ± SEM) Reporter Interpreter Manager Class 2003: Practice OSCE 76.1 ± 1.6 58.7 ± 2.0 35.8 ± 2.7 Class 2003: Final OSCE 84.4 ± 0.8 ∗† 79.1 ± 1.0 ∗† 59.9 ± 1.3 ∗ Class 2002: Final OSCE 78.3 ± 1.5 71.0 ± 1.8 57.8 ± 1.6 ∗ P † P
Kallikreins and Kinins Some Unanswered Questions About System Characteristics and Roles in Human Disease

Abstract Kinins can affect many aspects of cellular function, but their roles in human homeostatic mechanisms and disease are just beginning to be understood. In this brief review, some of the interesting new observations about kallikrein-kinin system characteristics, roles in cell behavior, and aberrancy in diseases of relevance to readers interested in hypertension will be discussed. Along the way, questions raised by these observations will be posed. They show that we still have much to learn about the contributions of kinins to human cardiovascular diseases but now have in addition both a strong rationale for asking them and the tools to make them operational.
Thermal Behavior and Microstructure Evolution during Laser Deposition with Laser-Engineered Net Shaping: Part II. Experimental Investigation and Discussion

The thermal behavior during laser-engineered net shaping (LENS) processing was numerically simulated using the alternate direction explicit finite difference method in Part I of this work. In this article, Part II, the numerical simulation results were compared to experimental results obtained with LENS-deposited 316L stainless steel. In particular, the cooling rate that is present during LENS deposition was established on the basis of dendrite arm spacing (DAS) measurements with and without a melt pool sensor (MPS) and a Z-height control (ZHC) subsystem. The microstructure of the deposited materials was characterized and analyzed, and the corresponding microhardness was measured as a function of distance from the substrate. The influence of thermal history on microstructure evolution was analyzed and discussed based on both modeling and experimental results. The results discussed in this article suggest relatively good agreement between experiments and modeling.
On-orbit alignment of the spectrograph channels of the Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement (COSTAR)

The corrective optics space telescope axial replacement (COSTAR), designed to restore the high image quality that was originally expected from the Hubble Space Telescope, was successfully installed in the observatory during the first HST servicing mission in December 1993. While verification testing in the lab has shown that the imaging performance of COSTAR is nearly ideal, realization of the expected high spatial resolution of the COSTAR-corrected images depends strongly on the ability to align the COSTAR mirrors with respect to the telescope and axial science instruments. We report on the methods used in the weeks following the servicing mission to optimize the HST-COSTAR performance for the Faint Object Spectrograph and Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph channels. The relatively low spatial resolution afforded by the spectrographs as well as defects in their imaging modes presented special challenges to rapid optimization of the COSTAR correction. Nevertheless, the alignment process quickly converged and has yielded images that are superior to the COSTAR specifications.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Techniques in Endourology Pediatric Retroperitoneoscopic Nephrectomy

The endoscopic retroperitoneal (retroperitoneoscopic) approach to extirpative intervention for benign renal disease is increasingly popular. We describe several modifications of this approach, including the use of prone positioning and 2-mm instruments, that may improve the safety and efficacy of the technique in children. These modifications provide unobstructed views of the kidney and renal hilum and facilitate dissection in a small working space.
Evidence that a non-RGD domain in rat osteopontin is involved in cell attachment

The bone sialoprotein osteopontin (OPN) promotes cell attachment and spreading through its RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) sequence. To study additional regions of OPN involved in cell attachment, peptides of rat OPN were evaluated for their capacity to mediate cell binding to wells in vitro. Human gingival fibroblasts were incubated on microtiter plates coated with either OPN or OPN peptides. A peptide of M(r) 28 kD, obtained after digestion with endoproteinase Arg-C and isolated by reversed-phase HPLC, enhanced cell attachment to a similar degree as OPN. Sequence analysis showed that the amino terminus of the 28 kD peptide starts at Ser142 and therefore does not contain the RGD cell attachment sequence (residues 128-130). Cell attachment mediated through both OPN and the 28 kD peptide was blocked by the addition of GRGDSPA peptides or LM-609, a monoclonal antibody to the integrin alpha V beta 3, a receptor for vitronectin. A variant peptide, GRG-ESPA, did not alter cell attachment. Based on these observations, we conclude that (1) binding of OPN and the 28 kD peptide to fibroblasts involves binding to alpha V beta 3, (2) a site other than the RGD sequence on OPN is also involved in binding to integrins, and (3) the binding of this second site to alpha V beta 3 is inhibited by RGD-containing peptides.
Characterization of a cDNA clone encoding a chloroplast-targeted Clp homologue

Efforts to identify cDNA clones encoding chloroplastic envelope membrane proteins of Pisum sativum L. led to the isolation of a clone encoding a 92 kDa protein found in both the inner envelope membrane and the soluble fraction of chloroplasts. Sequential transcription and translation from the insert of this clone yielded a 102 kDa protein that could be imported into chloroplasts and processed to a 92 kDa form. Although the protein was identified because it reacted with antibodies to chloroplastic envelope proteins, the imported 92 kDa protein was recovered primarily in the soluble fraction of chloroplasts. The deduced amino acid sequence of this protein has strong similarity to the Clp proteins, a recently described family of highly conserved proteins present in all organisms examined to date. The physiological significance of the presence of this protein in chloroplasts is discussed.
Geriatric patients with acute myocardial infarction: Cardiac risk factor profiles, presentation, thrombolysis, coronary interventions, and prognosis

Abstract Elderly patients have a higher mortality after acute myocardial infarction (MI) yet are treated less aggressively than younger patients. To determine (1) the risk-factor profiles, (2) presentation, (3) management, and (4) hospital outcomes for the elderly (≥75 years) compared with middle aged (66 to 74 years) and younger (≤65 years) patients in the 1990s, we studied 561 consecutive patients with acute MI. Compared with younger patients, the elderly more frequently had congestive heart failure (40% vs 14%; p p p p p p p p
A “micro” process planning system based on integer programming for prismatic parts produced on horizontal machining centers

An automated process planning system is developed for manufacturing prismatic parts on a Horizontal Machining Center. The goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of using the integer (0–1) programming technique to determine the optimal sequence of machining operations. The final process sequence reflects constraints on tool life. Precedence relationships due to fixturing and/or process requirements are also taken into account. Decision logic for selection of cutting tools and calculation of necessary machining parameters are also developed. Process plans for test workpieces are produced and the effectiveness of the system demonstrated.
Gamma-ray (electron) irradiation effects on tensile properties of ferritic alloys☆

Abstract We demonstrate that high-energy electron irradiation can be used to study gamma-ray embrittlement of reactor pressure vessels. Observed changes in tensile properties, in ferritic alloys electron irradiated at low temperature (⩽ 50° C ), correlate well with neutron irradiation data when compared simply on a displacement per atom basis. The similarity in embrittlement behavior between gamma-rays (electrons) and neutrons can be explained in terms of a reaction-rate theory model of defect production and clustering. The present results, obtained under well-controlled experimental conditions, provide strong support for a previous analysis implicating gamma-ray damage as the source of the “accelerated” embrittlement of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) pressure vessel.
Synthesis and estrogen receptor binding affinities of the major human metabolites of raloxifene (LY139481)

Glucuronide conjugates 1 and 2, the major metabolites of raloxifene, have been prepared and their molecular interactions with the estrogen receptor determined.
Key native fluorophores analysis of human breast cancer tissues using Gram–Schmidt subspace method

The native fluorescence (NFL) spectra of human cancerous and normal breast tissues were excited by a selected wavelength of 300 nm to investigate the efficacy of two key fluorophores: tryptophan and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), as cancer biomarkers. The basis spectra of these key fluorophores’ subspaces spanned by the corresponding emission spectra are obtained by the Gram–Schmidt method. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier is trained in the subspace to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. This research demonstrates that the NFL spectroscopy measurements are effective to detect changes of fluorophores compositions in tissues due to the development of cancer.
Continued Administration of Sulfathiazole on Renal and Hepatic Function in the Dog

Conclusions1. The continued administration of sulfathiazole to dogs over a period of 10 days in doses of 250 mg per kg per day produces slight impairment of renal function as evidenced by elevation of the blood urea nitrogen level, and diminution in the urea clearance and P.S.P. excretion. 2. This impairment of function is reversible and normal values are reestablished within 48 hours after the withdrawal of the drug. 3. Doses of this order have no demonstrable effect on O2 capacity, O2 and CO2 content. 4. Doses of this order have no demonstrable effect on liver function as indicated by the rate of excretion of bromsulphonphthalein.
Aziridine-2-carboxylic acid mediated asymmetric synthesis of D-erythro- and L-threo-sphingosine from a common precursor

Abstract Short, two and three step asymmetric syntheses of L- threo - and D- erythro -sphingosine (−)- 6a and (−)- 9a , respectively, in 58 and 31 percent overall yield were accomplished via the stereo and regioselective ring opening of N-sulfinylaziridine 2-carboxylic acid 4 .