cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endometrial Cancer Survivors' Perceptions of Provider Obesity Counseling and Attempted Behavior Change: Are We Seizing the Moment?

Objective To determine patients’ perceptions of provider-based counseling and behavior changes made by endometrial cancer survivors. Materials and Methods Endometrial cancer survivors (diagnosed from 2011 to 2012) from a single institution were surveyed. Exclusion criteria included persistent or recurrent disease or those actively undergoing treatment. Information collected included demographics, weight assessments, health behaviors, and physician counseling. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Fisher exact test, McNemar test, and the κ statistic as a measure of agreement. Results Of 233 surveys sent, 46% were returned. Median body mass index was 29.8 kg/m2 (range, 17.1–64.8 kg/m2). Comparing primary care providers with gynecologic oncologists (GOs), 47% (n = 46) versus 25% (n = 23) provided dietary counseling and 62% (n = 60) versus 37% (n = 34) provided physical activity counseling (Fisher exact test, P = 0.001 and P Conclusions One third of endometrial cancer survivors report counseling by their GO to lose weight. One half of endometrial cancer survivors reported attempted weight loss. All patients reporting weight loss counseling from their oncologist reported attempted weight loss. Most behavioral change occurred 3 to 6 months after a cancer diagnosis. Obesity in endometrial cancer survivors is not adequately addressed and represents a critical area for improvement.
Nonlinear filter properties of the thick ascending limb

A mathematical model was used to investigate the filter properties of the thick ascending limb (TAL), that is, the response of TAL luminal NaCl concentration to oscillations in tubular fluid flow. ...
Abstract 11323: In vitro and in vivo Actions of Ang1-7/BNP: A Novel Chimeric Peptide With Dual Actions Through the Natriuretic Peptide and Mas Receptors

Objectives: Cardiorenal protective actions of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are mediated through guanylyl cyclase A (GC-A) and its second messenger cGMP, while protective actions of Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang1-7) are mediated by the Mas receptor (MasR) and its second messenger cAMP. We designed a novel chimeric fusion peptide of integrating key amino acids of human BNP and Ang1-7, to create ANG1-7/BNP. Our goal was to engineer a peptide with dual activation of GC-A and MasR, with the potential to limit cardiorenal disease by natriuretic, antiproliferative and RAAS suppressing actions. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that ANG1-7/BNP would stimulate the GC-A and MasR in vitro, and that it would be biologically active in vivo. Methods: HEK cells expressing either GC-A or MasR were stimulated with ANG1-7/BNP. Three groups of normal dogs received 45 minutes infusions of equimolar doses of Ang1-7 (n=5), BNP (n=5) or ANG1-7/BNP (n=6), and hemodynamic, renal and neurohumoral functions were assessed during infusion and two hours thereafter. Results: In vitro GC-A or MasR stimulation by ANG1-7/BNP resulted in cGMP production at 10 -10 M, 10 -8 M and 10 -6 M, and cAMP release at 10 -6 M and 10 -5 M, respectively (p Conclusion: The new chimeric fusion peptide ANG1-7/BNP is a first in class dual activator of GC-A/MasR in vitro. ANG1-7/BNP is biologically active when infused in a large animal, with systemic and renal cGMP activation, and potent hemodynamic and natriuretic properties. Through the separate signaling pathways of Ang1-7 and BNP, ANG1-7/BNP may represent a new and innovative therapy with the potential of preventing progression of cardiorenal disease.
Project-based learning example: wireless mesh networks for undergraduates

Wireless technology has become a crucial component in communication and networking systems and technology. As the newer wireless technologies have been developed and deployed, the demand for wireless networking professionals from the industry has grown stronger. In response to this demand, we have provided hands-on wireless education for computer science undergraduates. From offering a hands-on wireless course, we notice that our undergraduates are able to move forward through experiencing a real-world wireless project. This paper introduces an example project on wireless mesh networks. How to design, implement, and test a wireless mesh network with off-the-shelf low cost wireless routers have presented. Throughout building a real mesh wireless network, students can be engaged with the topic in a practical manner. We believe that this wireless project significantly enhances student learning with strong motivations.
Prospects and challenges for sustainable sanitation in developed nations: a critical review

Serious sanitation challenges are not confined to developing nations. Infrastructure costs, nutrient losses and related ubiquitous surface water impairments, energy demands, and sludge disposal pro...
Oviposition of Boll Weevils Fed Diets Containing Germinated Cottonseed Puree or Cottonseed Meats Puree

Vanderzant and Davich (1961) reported that addition of a germinated cottonseed puree to the diet of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, increased fecundity of the insect to a level that made mass rearing feasible. However, germinated cottonseed puree is among the more expensive ingredients now used in the adult diet in mass rearing at the Boll Weevil Research Laboratory (BWRL). It accounts for more than 42% of the cost, and 75 liters of adult diet/day are prepared to produce the numbers of boll weevils needed for research. Also the new Gast Rearing Facility at Mississippi State University will use ca. 200 liters/day to produce the boll weevils needed for the sterile-male-release phase of the Pilot Boll Weevil Eradication Experiment in south Mississippi and adjoining areas of Louisiana and Alabama. In view of the numbers needed now and the certainty that even more will be needed in the near future, we tested a puree that might be less expensive and more efficient.
Analysis of Infrared Band Atmospheric Transmittance over the South China Sea

Inputting the South China Sea actual atmospheric profile data to the MODTRAN model,comparative analysis of aerosol transmission characteristics of the infrared band was given.The studies show that the aerosol,temperature and season could affect this band's transfer in the atmosphere;the atmospheric transmittance changes with the seasons,in summer less than in winter 10%,under the same circumstances atmospheric transmittance 0:00 is slightly larger than the 12:00.The error caused using approximate model atmosphere abroad can reach more than 50%.The results fully explained that the introduction of the actual atmospheric profile data have important significance of the military and engineering applications.
Challenges Evaluating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Which Instrument Should Nurses Use?

Children treated for cancer are exposed to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents with known toxicity to the peripheral nervous system. The side effect of peripheral neuropathy can cause changes in sensation, function, and even cause pain. Although peripheral neuropathy is recognized by pediatric oncology nurses as an important and significant side effect, measuring neuropathy can be quite complex for clinical care and research efforts. With more children surviving a cancer diagnosis today, this issue is increasingly important for childhood cancer survivors. This article has reviewed existing literature examining peripheral neuropathy in childhood cancer survivors with particular interest paid to measurement tools available and needs for future research. It is important for nurses to choose appropriate measures for clinical care and research methods in order to have an impact on patients experiencing this condition.
Feminist Philosophy of Religion

Feminist philosophy of religion is another significant and vibrant area that has developed fairly recently in the field. Feminist philosophers have argued that, among other things, the way philosophy of religion is written and practiced is suffused with gender bias.1 But their work is not only critical. They have also argued that, among other things, social location and personal commitment significantly affect one’s actions and beliefs, including one’s understanding of religion and of the divine, and that one’s conceptions of the divine also affect her or his ideas and attitudes about human beings and their place in the world, in particular with respect to gender.
HNF1A, KRT81, and CYP3A5: three more straws on the back of pancreatic cancer?

In this post-genomic era of cancer research, our ability to molecularly define various subtypes of cancer raises tremendous promise for the concepts of patient targeted therapies and precision medicine. A particular bright spot in the utility of cancer subtyping is the example of breast cancer, which has been well defined at the molecular level: tumor subtypes are currently classified based upon the expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and current targeted treatment strategies based on subtype assessment have increased clinical responses in the last decade (1). In stark contrast to the subtype success achieved in breast cancer analysis is the present state of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC is one of the most lethal malignancies and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths, associated with a dismal 5-year survival rate of only ~5%. This poor outlook results from late-stage diagnosis of disease, as non-invasive early detection methods remain elusive in the clinic, and current treatment modalities extend patient lifespan by only several weeks to months (2).
Solvent exposure and cognitive function in automotive technicians

Automotive technicians are commonly exposed to organic and chlorinated solvents, particularly through use of cleaning products. Occupational solvent exposures have been associated with deficits in cognitive function but, to our knowledge, no previous studies have investigated automotive technicians. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether previous exposures to n-hexane, in particular, or general solvents posed a persistent neurotoxic hazard to automotive workers. Enrolled in the study were 830 San Francisco Bay Area automotive repair workers. Each participant underwent a battery of cognitive function tests to investigate central nervous system impairment, with a primary focus on the domains of psychomotor speed, fine motor function, memory and mood. Cognitive test results regressed against estimated hexane and total solvent exposures showed little evidence of associations. Exposures to both solvents and hexane were well below the occupational exposure limits. Our results provide some reassurance about persistent neuropsychological effects in automotive workers who use solvent-based products and those who previously used hexane-containing automotive cleaning products, since this solvent is believed no longer to be used in automotive cleaning products. The lack of observed effect in this study may be attributable to low exposures, or it may reflect improved cognitive function since hexane use in automotive cleaning products was discontinued. However, impacts on results of exposure misclassification and/or the healthy worker survivor effect cannot be discounted. Irrespective of the outcome of this study, the main known neurologic effect of n-hexane is peripheral neuropathy, and such an association in automotive technicians is not excluded by these results.
Sexual Addiction: Definitions and Interventions

Sexual addiction is an unfamiliar disorder to many social workers, who, consequently, are uncomfortable when treating clients who exhibit such problems. This literature review provides a summary of the ongoing discussions on how to define sexual addiction, and describes two behavioral treatment approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy and covert sensitization, for working with such clients. Because most social workers might not be familiar with covert sensitization, examples are offered showing how this treatment modality can be implemented in therapy when working with clients with sexual addiction. More empirical studies, including the use of single-subject designs, are needed to help address a gap in the literature.
Analysis of SIVmac Envelope-Specific Antibodies Selected Through Phage Display.

Abstract We have constructed a single chain fragment variable (scFv) phage display library from a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaque that developed unusually high-titer neutralizing antibody responses against tier-3, neutralization-resistant SIVmac239. The library was screened using trimeric (gp140) and monomeric (gp120) forms of the SIVmac239 envelope (Env) glycoprotein. We also cloned variable-heavy and variable-light (VH-VL) antibody fragments from seven previously described rhesus macaque B-cell lines (BLCLs) that produce SIV gp120-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Thirty-two gp140-specific mAbs were selected along with 20 gp120-specific ones. gp120-specific mAbs were only from the VH4 family, while gp41-specific mAbs were primarily from VH1, followed by VH4 and VH3. Rhesus macaque BLCL-derived mAbs belonged primarily to the VH4 family of antibodies followed by VH3 and a smaller number of VH1s. A preferential VH combination with Vλ light chain was observed with phage disp...
Toll-like receptor 4 is critical for the development of resection-associated hepatic steatosis

Abstract Background A significant number of children with short bowel syndrome experience intestinal failure-associated liver disease. We recently demonstrated accelerated hepatic steatosis after 50% small bowel resection (SBR) in mice. Since SBR is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome, the purpose of this study was to determine whether TLR4 signaling is critical to the development of resection-associated hepatic steatosis. Methods Male C57BL6 (control) and TLR4-knockout (KO) mice underwent 50% proximal SBR. Liver sections were analyzed to obtain the percent lipid content, and Ileal sections were assessed for morphological adaptation. Intestinal TLR4 mRNA expression was measured at 7 days and 10 weeks. Results Compared to controls, TLR4 KO mice demonstrated similar weight gain and morphological adaptation after SBR. Hepatic steatosis was decreased 32-fold in the absence of TLR4. Intestinal TLR4 mRNA expression was significantly elevated 7 days after SBR. We also found that TLR4 expression in the intestine was 20-fold higher in whole bowel sections compared with isolated enterocytes. Conclusions TLR4 signaling is critical for the development of resection-associated steatosis, but not involved in intestinal adaptation after massive SBR. Further studies are needed to delineate the mechanism for TLR4 signaling in the genesis of resection-associated liver injury. Level of evidence Animal study, not clinical.
Students’ Perceptions of Quality Across Four Course Development Models

Four course development models were used within a three-year time frame, allowing for an evaluation of the different models based upon students’ perceptions of the integration of the Quality Matters (QM) Standards, course structure, and quality. The study compared (a) faculty training, (b) instructional designer supported, (c) additional QM training course, and (d) no training or support used. Students were randomly selected from online courses from each of the categories to receive a survey to measure their perceptions about the courses. The students were asked about the design of the courses given the integration of the QM Standards, course structure, and quality. Significant results were found across all eight standards, course structure, and quality for the instructional-designer supported course model as compared with the other course design models.
Mild-slope approximation for long waves generated by short waves

The mild-slope approximation has become a popular basis for calculating infinitesimal surface waves on slowly varying depth. It is less restrictive hence more advantageous than the ray and parabolic approximations for describing diffraction and refraction by bathymetry and/or by complex coastlines. Since its computation involves only two horizontal coordinates, the mild-slope equation is also numerically less demanding than the solution of fully three- dimensional equations for a horizontal area with sides much greater than the typical wavelength. By consideration of nonlinear effects of the second order, the mild-slope approximation for long waves over slowly varying depth is derived here, in order to provide a convenient basis for predicting long-period resonance in a large harbor by short-period wind waves.
QuickBasic Object Modeling

In the previous chapter, you saw how the lexical analyzer, or scanner, transforms the raw characters of source code into a stream of token objects, where each token object has a start index and a length. In the next chapter, you’ll see how this stream of token objects is converted to a nested structure of BNF grammar categories, as described in Chapter 4, while also emitting output code for a “machine,” which exists purely as a software simulation of the Nutty Professor machine.
A single-center retrospective cohort analysis of venetoclax in post-transplant, relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

e19514Background: Despite recent advances, treatment of relapsed multiple myeloma (MM) remains a challenge. Pre-clinical studies suggest that bcl-2 inhibition can lead to MM cell death and may syne...
Maroons in the Montes : Toward a Political Ecology of Marronage in the Sixteenth-Century Caribbean

Foregrounding a colonial archive of Black lives in the sixteenth-century Caribbean, Gabriel de Avilez Rocha analyzes how marronage, or slave flight, played an important role in the ecologies, power struggles, and discourses of Spanish colonialism in the Greater Antilles. Rocha argues that the politically charged term of cimarron, while forming part of an emergent Iberian discourse of racial prejudice against African and Afro-descendant men and women, also highlighted how a critical basis of the social and economic order across the islands—their environments—were being fundamentally altered by the cumulative weight of maroon agency. His contribution sheds important light onto how Africans and Amerindians influenced a nascent legal and political framework for agrarian property relations, colonial rule, and avenues for liberation in early colonial Spanish America.
8-OxoG Formation: Impact in Gene Promoters on Transcription and Mapping Studies

Studies with the regulatory VEGF promoter G-quadruplex (G4)-forming sequence have identified this G-rich region is prone to oxidation yielding 8-oxoguanine (OG),1 and we postulated that oxidation of the regulatory sequence could alter gene expression. We used synthetic chemistry to install the VEGF G4 with OG at oxidation-prone sites in the promoter of a luciferase gene that was transfected in mammalian cells to understand how gene expression changed. The modified sequences were installed in either the native coding strand or the non-native template strand of the promoter.1,2 Monitoring the time dependency in gene expression found a nearly 300% increase in expression when OG was in the coding strand and a nearly 400% decrease in expression for OG in the template strand. Studies in base excision repair (BER) proficient or deficient cell lines support BER as the process for gene activation for OG in the coding strand, and template strand OG turned gene expression off in a BER-independent process. Furthermore, we found that human DNA repair gene promoters are favorably biased with potential G4-forming sequences that can alter gene expression when OG is present. Thus, we hypothesize that certain potential G4-forming sequences are switches for gene expression during oxidative stress.3 To determine whether OG is prevalent in gene regulatory regions we developed a sequencing protocol and found enrichment of OG in gene promoters and 5'-UTRs.4
Precision Cardio-Oncology

Modern oncologic therapies and care have resulted in a growing population of cancer survivors with comorbid, chronic health conditions. As an example, many survivors have an increased risk of cardiovascular complications secondary to cardiotoxic systemic and radiation therapies. In response, the field of cardio-oncology has emerged as an integral component of oncologic patient care, committed to the early diagnosis and treatment of adverse cardiac events. However, as current clinical management of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular disease remains limited by a lack of phenotypic data, implementation of precision medicine approaches has become a focal point for deep phenotyping strategies. In particular, -omics approaches (a field of study in biology ending in -omic, such as genomics, proteomics, or metabolomics) have shown enormous potential in identifying sensitive biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, applying sophisticated, pattern-revealing technologies to growing databases of biologic molecules. Moreover, the use of -omics to inform radiologic strategies may add a dimension to future clinical practices. In this review, we present a paradigm for a precision medicine approach to the care of cardiotoxin-exposed cancer patients. We discuss the role of current imaging techniques; demonstrate how -omics can advance our understanding of disease phenotypes; and describe how molecular imaging can be integrated to personalize surveillance and therapeutics, ultimately reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in cancer patients and survivors.
A Content Analysis of School Counseling Supervision

Building upon previous reviews of clinical supervision in counseling, we analyzed the content of 69 articles on school counseling supervision published from 1968 to 2017. We identified publication,...
The Politics of Economic Adjustment: Technocratic Appointments and Representation in Economically Advanced Parliamentary Democracies

During the current debt crisis in Europe a number of unelected ministers and even prime-ministers have been appointed to government to resolve the economic crisis. Commentators argue that such appointments hurt democracy and are unlikely to succeed. However, appointments of un-elected technocrats are not unique to the current economic crisis. Nonetheless to this day, we have very little understanding of the economic and political impact of unelected ministers and prime-ministers. Does it make a difference for representation whether ministers and governments are technocratic instead of partisan? With a couple of notable exceptions, the discipline lacks systematic knowledge on the causes and effects of unelected technocrat ministers. When are technocrats more likely to be appointed and how do their appointments affect the government's policy decision and, in turn, effective representation of the electorate? Using a new dataset on ministers in fifteen European economically advanced democracies, we address this question by firstly studying whether critical economic events predict technocratic appointments and secondly by looking at the policy choices of technocratic ministers of Finance and Economics against non-technocrat ministers. We then, compare the policy choices of technocrat and partisan ministers with the political parties' pre-electoral policy pledges. This allows us to test whether technocratic policy choices diverge systematically from their political party's pre-electoral pledges, as compared to policies taken by partisan ministers. The findings of this paper shed light to the complex interdependence of pre-electoral commitments, policy outputs and representation in parliamentary democracies.
SUMO conjugation and postreplication repair pathways protect cells from DNA topoisomerase I poisons.

5678 Eukaryotic DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) functions in DNA replication, transcription and recombination by catalyzing changes in DNA topology. Top1 transiently cleaves one strand of duplex DNA and forms a covalent enzyme-DNA intermediate. Camptothecin (CPT) reversibly stabilizes this Top1-DNA complex, inducing S-phase dependent cell death. To define cellular processes that function in the recognition and repair of CPT-induced DNA lesions, we isolated temperature sensitive yeast mutants with increased sensitivity to Top1 poisons at 36°C. Self-poisoning top1 mutants were used in these screens, which induce distinct DNA lesions - Top1T722A acts as a CPT mimetic to inhibit DNA religation, while Top1N726H exhibits increased rates of DNA cleavage. However, despite these differences, the same hypomorphic allele of the Ubc9 SUMO conjugating enzyme, ubc9P123L, was isolated in both screens. Ubc9 is a conserved, essential enzyme that covalently attaches the ubiquitin-like protein, SUMO, to lysine residues in target proteins to alter protein activity, sub-cellular localization and/or stability. The Pro123 to Leu mutation in ubc9P123L cells reduced global protein SUMOylation at 36°C yet sufficed to maintain cell viability in the absence of genotoxic stress. In contrast, these cells were hypersensitive to Top1 poisons and to a wide range of DNA damaging agents, independent of Top1. Several lines of evidence suggest the Pro123 to Leu mutation induces specific alterations in the SUMO modification of nonessential cellular targets that dictate cellular responses to genotoxic stress. First, compensatory alterations in SUMO conjugation through deletion of the Ulp2 SUMO protease did not restore ubc9P123L cell resistance to Top1 poisons or hydroxyurea. Second, mutation of consensus SUMO sites in Top1 failed to recapitulate the pattern or extent of ubc9P123L cell sensitivity to Top1 poisons. Third, although the single mutants are viable in the absence of DNA damage, the ubc9P123L,rad6Δ and ubc9P123L,sgs1Δ double mutants were inviable at 36°C. These synthetic lethal phenotypes indicate a common essential function is abrogated by alterations in Ubc9 and either Rad6 or Sgs1. Sgs1, yeast ortholog of human BLM, genetically interacts with the Srs2 helicase, recruited by SUMO-modified PCNA to suppress inappropriate homologous recombination of replication forks. Rad6 functions to modulate PCNA activity in error-free and error-prone postreplicative repair. As PCNA activity is also regulated by Ubc9-dependent modification, these finding suggest defects in Ubc9 conjugation alter cell sensitivity to Top1 poisons through direct effects on postreplication repair. Supported by NIH grant CA111542 and ALSAC.
Warm Water Shifts Abalone Recruitment and Sea Urchin Diversity in Southern California: Implications for Climate-Ready Abalone Restoration Planning

Nearshore kelp forest ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change and ocean warming, which can alter community dynamics and change the trajectory of species recovery in unpredictable ways. Abalone (Haliotis spp.) populations in the Southern California Bight (SCB) are still recovering from a combination of overfishing and disease, despite the closure of the fisheries 20 years ago and active restoration programs for abalone species in the region. For this study, abalone recruitment and sea urchin populations were surveyed in artificial habitats (16–22 m) across a spatial and temporal climatic gradient in southern California from 2010 to 2017 to inform the development of climate-ready abalone restoration programs. The SCB encompasses warm and cool islands, and experienced two periods of ocean conditions—cool (2010–2013) and warm ocean conditions (2014–2016). Dive surveys of the artificial habitats revealed that juvenile abalone recruitment remained low during the study period, suggesting that recovery is slow. Warm-water years favored recruitment of juvenile pink (Haliotis corrugata) and green abalone (Haliotis fulgens), with the highest abalone recruitment observed at Catalina Island. Endangered white abalone (Haliotis sorenseni) were not observed despite placing the artificial habitats in suitable deep rocky reefs, which is further evidence supporting their endangered species status. The coolest site, San Diego, had little abalone recruitment, with a few juvenile red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) and threaded (Haliotis kamtschatkana) abalone present. Sea urchin abundance and diversity increased during the warm period, with the largest increase at Catalina Island. During the warm period, Coronado sea urchin (Centrostephanus coronatus) increased in abundance, coincident with a decrease in the commercially valuable temperate red sea urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus). Potential shifts in the sea urchin assemblage to warm-water sea urchins may negatively impact recovering abalone populations and the red sea urchin fishery. Climate-ready abalone restoration will require ecosystem-based monitoring, tracking on not only abalone recruitment but also sea urchins, algal abundances, ocean temperature, and kelp forest communities as climate change may lead to complex and unexpected ecosystem interactions.
Photoaffinity labeling identifies an intersubunit steroid-binding site in heteromeric GABA type A (GABAA) receptors.

Allopregnanolone (3α5α-P), pregnanolone, and their synthetic derivatives are potent positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) with in vivo anesthetic, anxiolytic, and anti-convulsant effects. Mutational analysis, photoaffinity labeling, and structural studies have provided evidence for intersubunit and intrasubunit steroid-binding sites in the GABAAR transmembrane domain, but revealed only little definition of their binding properties. Here, we identified steroid-binding sites in purified human α1β3 and α1β3γ2 GABAARs by photoaffinity labeling with [3H]21-[4-(3-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-diazirine-3-yl)benzoxy]allopregnanolone ([3H]21-pTFDBzox-AP), a potent GABAAR PAM. Protein microsequencing established 3α5α-P inhibitable photolabeling of amino acids near the cytoplasmic end of the β subunit M4 (β3Pro-415, β3Leu-417, and β3Thr-418) and M3 (β3Arg-309) helices located at the base of a pocket in the β+–α− subunit interface that extends to the level of αGln-242, a steroid sensitivity determinant in the αM1 helix. Competition photolabeling established that this site binds with high affinity a structurally diverse group of 3α-OH steroids that act as anesthetics, anti-epileptics, and anti-depressants. The presence of a 3α-OH was crucial: 3-acetylated, 3-deoxy, and 3-oxo analogs of 3α5α-P, as well as 3β-OH analogs that are GABAAR antagonists, bound with at least 1000-fold lower affinity than 3α5α-P. Similarly, for GABAAR PAMs with the C-20 carbonyl of 3α5α-P or pregnanolone reduced to a hydroxyl, binding affinity is reduced by 1,000-fold, whereas binding is retained after deoxygenation at the C-20 position. These results provide a first insight into the structure-activity relationship at the GABAAR β+–α− subunit interface steroid-binding site and identify several steroid PAMs that act via other sites.
A HETEROSCEDASTIC METHOD FOR COMPARING REGRESSION LINES AT SPECIFIED DESIGN POINTS WHEN USING A ROBUST REGRESSION ESTIMATOR.

It is well known that the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression estimator is not robust. Many robust regression estimators have been proposed and inferential methods based on these estimators have been derived. However, for two independent groups, let θj(X) be some conditional measure of location for the jth group, given X, based on some robust regression estimator. An issue that has not been addressed is computing a 1 − α confidence interval for θ1(X) − θ2(X) in a manner that allows both within group and between group hetereoscedasticity. The paper reports the finite sample properties of a simple method for accomplishing this goal. Simulations indicate that, in terms of controlling the probability of a Type I error, the method performs very well for a wide range of situations, even with a relatively small sample size. In principle, any robust regression estimator can be used. The simulations are focused primarily on the Theil–Sen estimator, but some results using Yohai’s MM-estimator, as well as the Koenker and Bassett quantile regression estimator, are noted. Data from the Well Elderly II study, dealing with measures of meaningful activity using the cortisol awakening response as a covariate, are used to illustrate that the choice between an extant method based on a nonparametric regression estimator, and the method suggested here, can make a practical difference.
Source Code Loop Transformations for Memory Hierarchy Optimizations

Portable or embedded systems allow complex applica- tions like multimedia today. These memory intensive applications and submicronic technologies have made the power consumption criterion crucial. We propose new source to source transformations thanks to which we can optimize the behavior of these applications by reducing the amount of needed physical memory and hence the associated power consumption. These trans- formations are performed on "for" loops that constitute the main parts of the multimedia code which handle the arrays. We present in this paper new techniques for minimizing memory size by loop fusion and loop alignment. These techniques do not depend on any ar- chitectural consideration or parameter as we do not use cache size or cache line size to drive the transforma- tions. Further optimizations that will consider these parameters to improve data-movement strategies over the memory hierarchy can be applied later to complete and refine the optimization framework.
Temporal retinal thinning and increased foveal avascular zone blood vessel density in alport syndrome: a case report

Alport syndrome is an inherited X-linked collagen IV disorder (80-85% cases) associated with renal failure (99%), hearing loss (82.5%), and ocular findings (44-81%), most commonly involving the cor...
Glycosylation, Assembly and Trafficking of Cardiac Potassium Channel Complexes: A Dissertation

KCNE peptides are a class of type I transmembrane β-subunits that assemble with and modulate the gating and ion conducting properties of a variety of voltage-gated K channels. Accordingly, mutations that disrupt the assembly and trafficking of KCNE-K channel complexes give rise to disease. The cellular mechanisms responsible for ensuring that KCNE peptides assemble with voltage-gated K channels have yet to be elucidated. Using enzymatic deglycosylation, immunofluorescence, and quantitative cell surface labeling experiments, we show that KCNE1 (E1) peptides are retained in the early stages of the secretory pathway until they co-assemble with specific K channel subunits; coassembly mediates E1 progression through the secretory pathway and results in cell surface expression. We also address an apparent discrepancy between our results and a previous study in human embryonic kidney cells, which showed wild type E1 peptides can reach the plasma membrane without exogenously expressed K channel subunits. By comparing E1 trafficking in three cell lines, our data suggest that the errant E1 trafficking observed in human embryonic kidney cells may be due, in part, to the presence of endogenous voltage-gated K channels in these cells.
Problems and Potentialities of Space Rendezvous

Problems and Potentialities of Space Rendezvous. The paper gives an analysis of rendezvous operations in space, as in the soft joining of a ferry vehicle to an orbiting space station or other target, and explores the potentiality of rendezvous in accomplishing certain space missions.
Cochlear nerve injuries caused by cerebellopontine angle manipulations. An electrophysiological and morphological study in dogs

Changes in the response from the cochlear nerve in dogs resulting from cerebellopontine angle (CPA) manipulations were correlated with histological changes in the nerve. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms underlying hearing deficits incurred as a result of manipulations in the CPA. Compound action potentials (CAP) were recorded from the cochlear nerve in response to click stimulation before, during, and after cerebellar and eighth nerve retractions were performed under anesthesia. The retractions were carried out to elicit different degrees of change in the latency and waveform of the CAP. About 30 minutes after completion of the manipulations, the dogs were perfused with a fixative and their cochlear nerves and brain stems were prepared for histological studies. The results showed that retraction of the eighth nerve caused a disintegration of the myelin sheath, and there were multiple and extensive foci of petechial hemorrhage and thromboses of the vasa nervorum of the cochlear nerve. In two dogs in which retraction was carried to a point at which the N2 peak of the CAP was abruptly obliterated, there was a separation of the central and peripheral myelin junction (Obersteiner-Redlich (OR) zone) and bleeding from the vasa nervorum at the OR zone. In the dogs in which the changes in the CAP had almost recovered before fixative perfusion, there were petechial hemorrhages within the cochlear nerve trunk, thus showing that improvement of electrophysiological responses may not always correlate with the absence of morphological changes.
Y2O3‐Stabilized ZrO2 Aerogels Prepared from an Epoxide Assisted Solgel Synthesis for Use in SOFC Composite Cathodes

The effect of Y 2 O 3 -stabilized ZrO 2 (YSZ) particle size on composite YSZ -(La 0 . 8 5 Sr 0 . 1 5 ) 0 . 9 8 MnO 3 (LSM) cathode microstructure and performance was examined. Two nanocrystalline YSZ powders were compared withdifferent particle size and surface areas; a commercial powder with ∼100 nm particles and 11 m 2 /g surface area and a synthesized YSZ powder with ∼10 nm particles and 124 m 2 /g surface area. The LSM phase of the composite was the same in both systems. Anode supported single cells were fabricated and the electrochemical performances measured. The cathode microstructures for the high surface area YSZ composites were examined as a function of sintering temperature and compared to the lower surface area YSZ composite cathode sintered at 1150 °C. The larger surface area YSZ was prepared using a novel epoxide initiated sol-gel synthesis, followed by aerogel processing. The aerogels were characterized with TEM, SEM, BET surface area analysis, and powder XRD.
The mode of action of cyclic AMP as a contraceptive.

Abstract Adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) is ubiquitously distributed in mammalian tissue and has been established as a “second messenger”, mediating intracellularly some of the effects of a variety of hormones. Among these are the catecholamines, pituitary trophic hormones, prostaglandins, and estrogen. Cyclic AMP has also been demonstrated to increase progesterone biosynthesis in granulosa cells, but inhibit it in the adrenal cortex. Prior work identified cyclic AMP at daily dose levels of 5 mg. as an effective contraceptive in female Swiss mice. To determine further the mode of action, cyclic AMP was administered for varying time periods to adult female mice, and vaginal cytology plus histologic study of the adrenals, ovaries, and uterus was carried out. There was no change in adrenal histology, but changes in the ovaries, uteri, and vagina were suggestive of divergent hormonal effect.
A Time-Dependent Local Density Approximation of Atomic Photoionization

In recent years considerable effort has been expended in the calculation of accurate atomic photoionization cross sections. Interestingly, it has proved necessary to proceed far beyond the simplest Hartree-Fock approximation (HFA) to achieve this goal. The most extensive calculations to date have employed either the random phase approximation with exchange (RPAE)1 or many-body perturbation theory (MBPT)2. Both of these approaches build systematically on standard Hartree-Fock theory and yield results which are generally in excellent agreement with experiment.
Third‐year Medical Student Rotations in Emergency Medicine: A Survey of Current Practices

Academic Emergency Medicine 2011; 18:S41–S47 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: Exposure to emergency medicine (EM) is a crucial aspect of medical student education, yet one that is historically absent from third-year medical student training. There are limited data describing the existing third-year rotations. The goal of this study is to identify the content and structure of current EM rotations specific to third-year students. Methods: An institutional review board–approved survey of clerkship characteristics was designed by consensus opinion of clerkship directors (CDs). The survey was distributed to 32 CDs at institutions with known EM clerkships involving third-year students. Results: Twenty-three (72%) CDs responded to the survey. Sixty-five percent have rotations designed specifically for third-year students, of which 33% are required clerkships. Twenty-seven percent of rotations have prerequisite rotations; 37% of rotations include shifts in the pediatric ED. Clinical time averages four 8-hour shifts per week for 4 weeks; all rotations include weekly didactic time specific to third-year students. A wide variety of textbooks are used; some programs employ simulation labs. Two-thirds of the rotations have a required write-up or presentation; 53% include a final exam. Student evaluations are written and verbal. Most rotations receive more support from the EM departments than from the medical schools for physical space, administrative needs, and faculty time. Among those surveyed, students from institutions requiring a third-year EM rotation have a higher rate of application to EM residencies. Conclusions: There is variability in the content and structure of existing third-year EM rotations, as well as in financial and administrative needs and support. These data can help to inform CDs and departments that are starting or modifying EM third-year rotations, as well as contribute to the development of curricula for such rotations.
Stimulation of body defence against Staphylococcus aureus by Norinyl.

Summary. The spleens, kidneys and livers of mice that had received intraperitoneal doses of norethindrone and/or mestranol before intravenous injection with virulent Staphylococcus aureus contained fewer viable staphylococci than did the corresponding organs of control mice. Also, fewer hormone treated mice than control animals died during the 4 days after infection. Both groups survived better when penicillin was administered 12 h after infection. Thirteen serotypes of Staph. aureus grew better in sera of control rabbits than in sera of rabbits treated with both hormones. Rabbits treated with either hormone alone yielded sera that suppressed growth of most, but not all, serotypes. Coagulase, phosphatase, gelatinase, anaerobic and aerobic acid production were not affected by prior growth of staphylococci in the presence of hormones, but the haemolysin titres of staphylococci grown with the hormones were lower than those grown without them.
Multiple ornaments correlate with aspects of condition and behaviour in female northern cardinals, Cardinalis cardinalis

Male ornamentation in socially monogamous birds has been shown to provide information to potential mates on aspects of condition and behaviour. We studied female ornamentation in the socially monogamous, biparental northern cardinal to determine whether expressions of multiple ornaments correlate with aspects of female condition and behaviour. Expressions of the ornamental red-orange bill, red underwing feathers, head crest and blackish face mask were compared to several measures of condition, parental behaviour and intrasexual aggression. Red-orange bill colour of females was correlated with both body size and an index of body condition. Redness of the underwing feathers was correlated with body size, body condition, date of first nest produced and reproductive success. Face mask expression was correlated with both nestling feeding rate and level of intrasexual aggression. The length of head crest feathers did not correlate with any measured aspect of condition or behaviour. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that ornaments in female cardinals provide redundant information to prospective mates on aspects of female condition and behaviour.
A DNA-like RNA fraction in the posterior silkgland of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.).

Abstract Extraction of the 28-S rRNA from the posterior silkgland of Galleria in an acetate-sodium dodecyl sulfate solution at 45° results in the conversion of the rRNA to a 18-S component. When silkgland RNA is labeled with [3H]uridine for 2 h, a highly radioactive RNA specie is found that separates by sucrose gradient centrifugation at the same place as the 28-S rRNA. This radioactive RNA is not converted by heat-treatment to the 18-S component. It is no longer radioactive when the incubation in the presence of [3H]uridine is carried out for 8 h, indicating a rapid turnover. Methylation experiments suggested that the major component of this RNA is not likely a 30-S rRNA precursor. Furthermore, characterizations of this RNA by base composition analysis and RNA-DNA hybridization tests strongly indicated that this is “DNA-like” RNA. These results suggest that there is probably an unstable mRNA in the posterior silkgland of Galleria. This possibility was discussed in comparison with the so-called stable mRNA for the silk fibroin of Bombyx.
A fortran program for reduction of NMR relaxation data

Programme d'ordinateur T12 FIT pour l'interpretation automatique de donnees de relaxation RMN (declin d'induction libre, amplitude d'echos de spin en fonction du temps) a l'aide d'un ou deux temps de relaxation
Neogenin Interacts with Matriptase-2 to Facilitate Hemojuvelin Cleavage *

Hemojuvelin (HJV) and matriptase-2 (MT2) are co-expressed in hepatocytes, and both are essential for systemic iron homeostasis. HJV is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked membrane protein that acts as a co-receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins to induce hepcidin expression. MT2 regulates the levels of membrane-bound HJV in hepatocytes by binding to and cleaving HJV into an inactive soluble form that is released from cells. HJV also interacts with neogenin, a ubiquitously expressed transmembrane protein with multiple functions. In this study, we showed that neogenin interacted with MT2 as well as with HJV and facilitated the cleavage of HJV by MT2. In contrast, neogenin was not cleaved by MT2, indicating some degree of specificity by MT2. Down-regulation of neogenin with siRNA increased the amount of MT2 and HJV on the plasma membrane, suggesting a lack of neogenin involvement in their trafficking to the cell surface. The increase in MT2 and HJV upon neogenin knockdown was likely due to the inhibition of cell surface MT2 and HJV internalization. Analysis of the Asn-linked oligosaccharides showed that MT2 cleavage of cell surface HJV was coupled to a transition from high mannose oligosaccharides to complex oligosaccharides on HJV. These results suggest that neogenin forms a ternary complex with both MT2 and HJV at the plasma membrane. The complex facilitates HJV cleavage by MT2, and release of the cleaved HJV from the cell occurs after a retrograde trafficking through the TGN/Golgi compartments.
BINDING SITES FOR INORGANIC IONS AND UREA ON ISOLATED CUTICULAR MEMBRANE SURFACES

A B S T R A C T Binding sites for calcium and chloride ionis, and urea on cuticular membrane surfaces were identified by microautoradiography. There was no localization of binding on either the smooth outer or irregular inner surfaces of the astomatous tomato fruit cuticle, and urea was bound to a lesser degree than inorganic ions. Calcium and chloride binding sites on surfaces of green onion leaf cuticles were closely associated with stomatal pores and above the periclinal cell walls. Binding of calcium was more pronounced than of chloride. These results are discussed in light of possible sites of entry for foliar applied nutrients. THE PERMEABILITY of isolated cuticular niern