cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4046: The different immune evasion mechanisms in human prostate cancer

Cancer development is associated with a number of genetic and epigenetic alternations. Normally, these alterations are detected by the immune system in a process called immune surveillance, where cancer cell killing is mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK cells). Yet, tumor progression and development indicate that cancer cells have acquired mechanisms to avoid immune destruction. Various immune evasion mechanisms have been reported before such as impaired antigen presentation and activation of CTL and NK cells, immunosuppression, and induction of tolerance. Although current treatment methods are shifting towards more targeted strategies in prostate cancer, such as immunotherapy, a better understanding of the cancer-immune interactions and immune evasion mechanisms is yet to be established. More immunotherapies are being developed and approved by the FDA for treating cancer. In prostate cancer, Sipuleucel-T, an autologous cellular immunotherapy, was approved by FDA for the treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate resistant (hormone refractory) prostate cancer. Intensive investigation on other immunotherapies is ongoing in prostate cancer. These include blockade of negative checkpoint regulators (PD-1, CTLA4) and Ig superfamily member V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cells against prostate lineage-unique proteins (PLUPs), and monoclonal antibodies targeting immunoinhibitory molecules. However, the optimal choice of treatment for a prostate cancer patient needs to target their specific mechanisms of immune evasion, which are poorly studied. In this study, we will use The Cancer Genome Atlas RNA-seq data to check for immune evasion gene expression in prostate cancer patients to identify at the different mechanisms by which cancer avoids immune destruction. We will use a sequential biclustering algorithm developed by our group, to group prostate cancer patients based on their similarities in immune evasion gene expression. A similar unpublished work was done by our group on breast cancer where we identified 7 different groups of patients, each with different mechanisms or combination of evasion mechanism. We also showed that triple negative breast cancer can be immunogenic and non-immunogenic. This group-based identification of evasion mechanisms will not only provide a better understanding of the different immune evasion mechanisms in prostate cancer, but will also shed light on potential combinations of mechanism. This in turn, will help guide the choice of single and combined immunotherapeutic approches. Citation Format: Mayassa J. Bou-Dargham, Yuhang Liu, Qing-Xiang Amy Sang, Jinfeng Zhang. The different immune evasion mechanisms in human prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4046.
Methodological quality of service learning studies in rehabilitation professions: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND Service-learning (SL) has been widely implemented and grown as a pedagogy in the rehabilitation professions. However, assessment on the quality of evidence for the effectiveness of SL related to student learning outcomes and the scope of SL activities related to the occupation of work in the rehabilitation professions is not available. OBJECTIVE This systematic review was to evaluate the rigor of the methodological quality of SL studies and the scope of SL activities related to the occupation of work in the rehabilitation professions. METHODS We performed a systematic on-line electronic literature search of nine bibliographic databases available through the university library system to identify peer-reviewed journal articles on SL provided by the tri-alliance of rehabilitation professional students, with the primary or secondary outcome on the evaluation of student SL experiences. Twenty-two SL articles using experimental design between 1995 and 2016 were extracted as they qualified for the methodological appraisal. Appraisal of each article was performed independently by four investigators using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. RESULTS In six of the 22 SL studies (27%), service provided by the rehabilitation professional students was related to the occupation of work (i.e., assessment, prevention of illness, injury, and disability, and intervention). There was a significant increase in the number (and percent) of SL studies related to the occupation of work compared to that of a previous systematic review (0%, P = 0.03, Fisher's exact test). Results from the evaluation of the methodological quality of these 22 reviewed articles revealed that all received a global rating score of weak. The low methodological quality rating of the reviewed articles was mainly attributed to not controlling for confounders (22 articles), non-blinding (21), and using outcome measures which did not have evidence to support their validity (14). Inability to control for confounders was related to weak research design as more than 77% of the reviewed articles used quasi-experimental designs without a control group. Non-blinding was related to the self-report nature of the outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS A significant increase in the number of SL studies related to the occupation of work was found, which may provide an indirect indication on an increase in the capacity to provide (work) rehabilitation services. However, selected studies demonstrated high risk of bias which limited firm conclusions to be drawn on reported findings from SL in the tri-alliance of rehabilitation professions curricula.
The revolving door between large audit firms and the PCAOB: Implications for future inspection reports and audit quality

This study examines whether audit firms hire former PCAOB employees in response to negative PCAOB inspection reports, and whether such hiring leads to reductions in future inspection deficiencies and an increase in audit quality. We find that the number of PCAOB employees hired by large audit firms is positively related to the number of deficiencies reported in their prior inspection report, and that the number of deficiencies reported in firms’ future inspection reports is negatively associated with the number of former PCAOB employees hired. However, we find no significant association between the number of former PCAOB employees that a firm hires and improvement in audit quality. These findings suggest that former PCAOB personnel possess valuable knowledge about how to perform and document audit procedures to satisfy PCAOB reviewers, but that this expertise does not necessarily have direct implications for the accuracy and reliability of clients’ financial reports.
Use of Electron Spin Resonance to Study Complex Biological Membranes

This paper attempts to provide an overview of experimental considerations, possibilities, and problems in the use of spin labels to study the membranes of complex biological systems, especially living cells. There are increasing numbers of reports of such studies that approach problems of both fundamental and medical significance, but there is a lack of systematic reviews of experimental aspects of such studies of complex biological systems. It therefore seems timely and desirable to present a summary of the state of this field. There are abundant excellent reports of the basics of this technique and its application to model membranes (e.g., Berliner, 1976; Gaffney and Chen, 1977; Schreier et al., 1978) so I shall not attempt to cover that material.
Extended Continuous Infusion of Methylene Blue for Refractory Septic Shock

Objective Highlight the utility of methylene blue (MTB) infusion for extended period for refractory vasoplegia. Introduction Hypotension refractory to vasopressor therapy in sepsis is associated with high mortality and limited therapeutic options. Dysregulated nitric oxide (NO) pathway seems to be a major driver, and, therefore, MTB, which inhibits inducible NO synthase activity and decreases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (GMP) accumulation by directly competing with NO by binding to soluble guanylyl cyclase, has been explored. Case description We describe a successful reversal of refractory septic shock with prolonged MTB infusion in a patient supported on multiple vasopressors at the highest clinical doses as well as venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO). Conclusion and clinical significance Current report suggests a potential role of MTB infusion in refractory vasoplegia even in advanced vasoplegic shock. How to cite this article Jaiswal A, Kumar M, Silver E. Extended Continuous Infusion of Methylene Blue for Refractory Septic Shock. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(3):206-207.
Combining stimulants with antipsychotics for foster children and adolescents: Do prescribers adhere to guidelines?

Abstract Objective Consistent with federal requirements for states to monitor psychotropic medication use in foster children and adolescents, we assessed prescribers’ adherence to best practice guidelines. Specifically, we identified the prevalence and patterns of combined use of stimulants and antipsychotics among a sample of foster children and adolescents that received additional non-pharmacological interventions from a state-funded team. A secondary purpose of this paper was to demonstrate a method for monitoring psychotropic medication use for this vulnerable population. Methods Using data from a state Medicaid database and a state-funded team, we tracked medication use among a sample of 128 foster children and adolescents aged 5–19 years with varying diagnoses who received behavioral and medication review services. We extracted data for children and adolescents who received the combination of stimulants and antipsychotics, and then we visually depicted the data to show changes in medication use before, during, and after our services. Results Out of the larger sample, twenty-one foster children and adolescents (16%) simultaneously received stimulants and antipsychotics. Visual depictions of data show that less than 50% received stimulants alone before combined use. In addition, participants experienced limited changes in medication regimens even after receiving non-pharmacological services. Conclusions These findings suggest that prescribers may not adhere to practice guidelines for use of stimulants and antipsychotics, even for clients who receive other services, and highlight the need for relevant stakeholders to monitor unsafe prescribing practices.
Das Konzept der mittelbaren Beihilfen im Beihilferecht

Mittelbare Beihilfen sind umstritten. Sie zeichnet aus, dass sich eine Beihilfe uber den Primarempfanger hinaus mittelbar begunstigend auch auf andere Unternehmen als Sekundarempfanger auswirkt. Wann und unter welchen Voraussetzungen es im Sinne des Beihilfebegriffs des Art 107 Abs 1 AEUV gerechtfertigt ist, solche mittelbare (bzw indirekte) Beihilfen dem Beihilfekontrollregime zu unterwerfen, geht dieser Beitrag auf den Grund.
Lesion location may attenuate response to strategy training in acute stroke.

BACKGROUND Strategy training, a rehabilitation intervention, reduces disability and improves functional skills associated with goal-directed behavior. Stroke lesions impacting selected ventromedial regions of interest associated with initiation of goal-directed behavior may attenuate intervention response. If so, strategy training may not be optimal for people with stroke lesions in these regions. OBJECTIVE To examine whether ventromedial regions of interest attenuate changes in disability status attributed to strategy training. DESIGN Secondary analysis of data from two randomized controlled clinical trials. SETTING Inpatient stroke rehabilitation. PARTICIPANTS People with acute stroke diagnosis and available diagnostic studies enrolled in inpatient rehabilitation randomized controlled studies between 2009 and 2017. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized to strategy training or a control condition in addition to the usual care during inpatient rehabilitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging studies were retrieved from electronic medical records, and stroke lesion location was characterized by a neuroradiologist. Intervention response was defined by Functional Independence Measure change scores of 22 points or greater. RESULTS Only 186 of 275 participants had diagnostic studies available; 13 patients showed no apparent lesion on their diagnostic study. Among 173 cases, 156 had complete data at discharge (strategy training n = 71, control n = 85). Twenty-five cases had a lesion within a region of interest (strategy training n = 14, control n = 11). Intervention response was attenuated in the strategy training group for those with lesions in regions of interest [χ2 (1, n = 71) = 4.60, P = .03], but not for those in the control group [Fisher exact test, n = 85, P = .19). CONCLUSIONS Lesions in the ventromedial regions of interest may attenuate response to strategy training.
Miniature magnetic rod interfacial stress rheometer for general-purpose microscopes

Despite the great demand for the characterization of interfacial rheology in academic and industrial research, the study of interfacial rheology is still scarce compared to its counterpart of bulk rheometry and limited only to specialized laboratories. One of biggest hurdles impeding the broad application of interfacial rheometry is the delicate design and the high cost of interfacial rheometers. Here, we propose a new design of a miniature magnetic rod interfacial stress rheometer (mini-ISR), which uses a pair of small permanent magnets as a magnetic trap and a single magnetic coil for perturbation. The simple design of our ISR substantially reduces its dimension, allowing us to directly couple the rheometer to a conventional commercial optical microscope. Such unprecedented adaptability makes the new ISR highly portable and cost-effective. Moreover, the use of a commercial microscope improves the imaging quality and lowers the difficulty of synchronized imaging of interfacial rheometry. We show the calibration of the mini-ISR and demonstrate its functionality by measuring the interfacial rheology and imaging the microscopic dynamics of particle monolayers at a water-oil interface. Our design can be used by any laboratories that have access to optical microscopes for a wide range of interfacial rheology studies.
HPV vaccine for teen boys: Dyadic analysis of parents' and sons' beliefs and willingness

Abstract Objective Parents and adolescents often decide together whether the child should receive human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. However, few studies have investigated the dyadic nature of beliefs that affect this process. Method Data came from the 2010 HPV Immunization in Sons (HIS) Study, a national sample of 412 parents and their adolescent sons. We conducted dyadic multivariate logistic regression to examine the relationships between parents' and sons' HPV vaccine beliefs and their willingness to have the son receive the vaccine. Results Less than half of parents and sons were willing to have the sons receive HPV vaccine (43% and 29%, respectively). Willing parents and sons anticipated greater regret if the son did not receive HPV vaccine but later contracted an HPV infection (parent odds ratio [OR] = 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24–2.40; son OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.04–2.19) (both p Conclusion Parents and sons were more willing to have the son receive HPV vaccine if they had higher anticipated regret about potential HPV infection and lower concerns about side effects. Communication campaigns may be able to target these beliefs to increase parents' and sons' willingness to seek HPV vaccination.
A Review of “Flight Characteristics and Stain Patterns of Human Blood”

Mr. MacDonnell's object in writing Flight Characteristics and Stain Patterns of Human Blood was to advance the state of the art in an area of forensic science that has been neglected. The author states that the guides are just suggestions and not firm rules and will rarely be conclusive in and of themselves. The research was initiated because of the author's belief that there is a deficiency in documented knowledge regarding bloodstain evidence. Literature searched by the author contained little beyond elementary rules for establishing the direction of travel or simple correlations of a general character as a function of the distance a drop falls. The literature search included Dr. Kirk's text on Crime Investigation. However, the author states that the most comprehensive source of accurate information on this subject to date is the 1955 affidavit of the late Dr. Paul Kirk regarding his investigation of the Dr. Samuel Sheppard murder case. Mr. MacDonnell often refers to Dr. Kirk and states that in all instances the current investigation has verified both the accuracy and conclusions of Dr. Kirk's earlier work.
Type III Secretion Systems of Enteric Bacterial Pathogens

This chapter covers what is known about how the enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC)/enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) Esc/Sep, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SPI1, and S. flexneri Mxi/Spa type III secretion systems (TTSSs) secrete and translocate proteins into mammalian cells. Since studies of other TTSSs have guided the thinking about how the enteric TTSSs work, information about TTSSs in plant pathogens, the Ysc TTSS of Yersinia species, and the flagellar TTSS of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium is also discussed. Effectors delivered by the Ysc TTSS block the antimicrobial activities of macrophages, allowing Yersinia species to survive and grow in lymphoid tissues. The mechanism by which TTSSs transport effector proteins across the bacterial inner membrane may have evolved from ancestral flagellar genes. The most comprehensive approaches to identify the proteins that make up the Esc/ Sep, SPI1, and Mxi/Spa secretons have involved genomic and mutational studies. In summary, recent studies have revealed many interesting details about the structures and functions of the EPEC/EHEC, Salmonella, and Shigella secretons. Further work is needed to identify all the proteins, their stoichiometries, and locations in these structures. Micrographs of the purified complexes indicate that many are damaged and missing important substructures. Determining whether any of the purified complexes are functional secretons or whether all have lost essential components will require their reconstitution into lipid bilayers. Much has been learned about TTSS in enteric bacterial pathogens.
Dynamic regulation of progesterone receptor activity in female reproductive tissues.

The progesterone receptor (PR) in cooperation with coregulator complexes coordinates crucial processes in female reproduction. To investigate the dynamic regulation of PR activity in vivo, a new transgenic mouse model utilizing a PR activity indicator (PRAI) system was generated. Studies utilizing the PRAI mouse have revealed that progesterone temporally regulates PR activity in female reproductive tissues. Specifically, progesterone rapidly enhances PR activity immediately after administration. However, chronic progesterone stimulation represses PR activity in female reproductive organs. Like progesterone, RU486 also temporally regulates PR activity in female reproductive organs. However, the temporal regulation of PR activity by RU486 is the inverse of progesterone's activity. RU486 acutely represses PR activity after injection but increases PR activity after chronic treatment in female reproductive tissues. Treatment with a mixed antagonist/agonist of PR, when compared to natural hormone, results in dramatically different tissue-specific patterns of intracellular PR activity, coregulator levels, and kinase activity. Transcriptional regulation of gene expression by PR is facilitated by coordinate interactions with the steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs). Bigenic PRAI–SRC knockout mouse models enabled us to draw a tissue-specific coactivator atlas for PR activity in vivo. Based on this atlas, we conclude that the endogenous physiological function of PR in distinct tissues is modulated by different SRCs. SRC-3 is the primary coactivator for PR in the breast and SRC-1 is the primary coactivator for PR in the uterus.
Through Fault of Their Own—Applying Bonner Mall's Extraordinary Circumstances Test to Heightened Standard of Review Clauses

Since 2001, the federal circuit courts of appeals have remained split on the propriety of enforcing heightened standard of review clauses contained in arbitration agreements governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (the "FAA"). After reviewing the history of arbitral awards and the text, structure, and legislative history of the FAA as well as the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of the FAA, this Note proposes a resolution to the heightened-review circuit split, which is consistent with the FAA's proarbitration policy and U.S. Supreme Court precedent. This Note's proposed resolution would require courts to reject heightened-review clauses through application of the extraordinary circumstances test that the U.S. Supreme Court developed hi U.S. Bancorp Mortgage Co. a Boar Mall Partnership. This Note argues that the adoption of Bonner Malts extraordinary circumstances test will protect judicial integrity and preserve arbitration as a viable litigation alternative for the entire legal conununity.
β-Dimethylaminoethyl Chloride Hydrochloride †

β-Dimethylaminoethyl chloride hydrochloride product: β-Dimethylaminoethyl chloride hydrochloride Keywords: replacement reactions, hydroxy by halogen; sulfur dioxide
Bowel Function in the Hemodialysis Patient: Report of a Patient Survey

Abstract A survey of hemodialysis patients was taken to determine if constipation or diarrhea was perceived as a problem and to determine what patients did to maintain regularity. Eighty-eight hemodialysis patients received a survey form during their scheduled treatment. The survey asked frequency of constipation, frequency of diarrhea, and what medications were taken for regularity. Of the 87 patients who completed the survey, 23 reported constipation only and 36 reported a combination of constipation and diarrhea. Only 19 of the 87 reported no problems with regularity. Sixty-two percent reported taking prescription and/or over-the-counter medications to keep regular, while 33% used high-fiber foods to maintain regularity. An examination of medications used showed that patients do not always know what they are taking for regularity and that they may take remedies that are contraindicated with kidney disease.
Play counts: pedometers and the case for recess

This paper seeks to demonstrate the physical benefits of child-directed free play during recess through the use of pedometers. Although play is clearly not reducible to exercise, this study of an urban, middle class, public elementary school found that recess offered, on average, 30% more steps per minute than organized gym periods. For some children in this urban American sample, recess offered twice the amount of movement as the equivalent time in gym class. Recess, endangered as it is in the United States, can therefore be an inexpensive anti-obesity program. Linking this quantitative study to a qualitative study of the same children, in one school, the paper raises questions about the intersection between play theory, play practice, and health.
Total Synthesis of Complestatin: Development of a Pd(0)- mediated Indole Annulation for Macrocyclization

Full details of the initial development and continued examination of a powerful intramolecular palladium(0)-mediated indole annulation for macrocyclization closure of the strained 16-membered biaryl ring system found in complestatin (1, chloropeptin II) and the definition of factors impacting its intrinsic atropodiastereoselectivity are described. Its examination and use in an alternative, second generation total synthesis of complestatin are detailed in which the order of the macrocyclization reactions was reversed from our first generation total synthesis. In this approach and with the ABCD biaryl ether ring system in place, the key Larock cyclization was conducted with substrate 36, containing four phenols, five secondary amides, one carbamate, and four labile aryl chlorides, and provided the product 37 (56%) exclusively as a single atropisomer (>20:1, detection limits) possessing the natural (R)-configuration. In this instance, the complexity of the substrate and the reverse macrocyclization order did not diminish the atropodiastereoselectivity, rather it provided an improvement over the 4:1 selectivity that was observed with the analogous substrate used to provide the isolated DEF ring system in our first generation approach. Just as significant, the atroposelectivity represents a complete reversal of the diasteroselectivity observed with analogous macrocyclizations conducted using a Suzuki biaryl coupling.
Human placental alkaline phosphatase as a histochemical marker of gene expression in transgenic mice.

The human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) gene was analysed for its utility as a histochemically detectable reporter gene in transgenic mice. A reporter gene was made by linking the PLAP structural gene to an enhancerpromoter element from the human β-actin gene. This gene was inserted into the mouse genome by transfection of embryonic stem cells, and by microinjection of fertilized eggs. Histochemical staining showed that the transgene was uniformly expressed in four of four stable ES cell lines, and in all ten tissues examined from adult animals from five lines of transgenic mice. Non-transgenic cells did not stain. These results suggest that the human PLAP gene will be of utility in studies requiring phenotypic marking of cells in tissues of mice.
Solubility of plutonium(VI) carbonate in saline solutions

Abstract Among the plutonium oxidation states found to form in the environment, mobile plutonium(VI) can exist under oxidizing conditions and in waters with high chloride content due to radiolysis effects. We are investigating the solubility and speciation of plutonium(VI) carbonate under conditions relevant to natural waters and brines such as those found near some geologic radioactive waste repositories. The solid Pu(VI) phase PuO2CO3(s) was prepared and its solubility was measured in NaCl and NaClO4 solutions in a CO2 atmosphere as a function of pH and ionic strength (0.1–5.6 m). The concentration of soluble plutonium in solution was calculated from spectroscopic data and liquid scintillation counting. Spectroscopic measurements also revealed the plutonium oxidation state. The apparent solubility product of PuO2CO3(s) was determined at selected electrolyte concentrations to be, log Ks,0 = −13.95 ± 0.07 (0.1 m NaCl), log Ks,0 = −14.07 ± 0.13 (5.6 m NaCl), and log Ks,0 = −15.26 ± 0.11 (5.6 m NaClO4). Specific ion interaction theory was used to calculate the solubility product at zero ionic strength, log K s, 0 ∘ = − 14.82 ± 0.05 .
Analysis of Atomic Spectra with Electronic Digital Computers

A method has been developed for the analysis of atomic spectra with high speed electronic digital computers. The conversion of wavelength in air to vacuum wave numbers, the search for spectral terms, and the construction of square arrays are performed by machine computation. These techniques are applied to the analysis of the arc spectrum of ruthenium.
Spatiochromatic multiplexing: a color image representation for digital processing and compression

Digital color images are represented by 3 color values for each picture element (pixel). The most common types of color coordinates for capture and display are RGB, but they are transformed into YUV (or other luminance-chrominance type of space) for image processing and compression. The conventional wisdom being that while luminance data are processed at full spatial and temporal resolution, chrominance information can be considerably subsampled without significant losses in perceived image quality. Also, the 3-fold complexity of RGB 3- channel processing can be usually reduced to 2-fold: one channel for luminance and another for chrominance. We have been studying the advantages of a different image representation, one suggested by biological systems. It requires only one color value at each pixel location, reducing the total data load to one third, and it can be processed, compressed and transmitted with the simplicity of a monochrome image (i.e., one-channel complexity) by adequate handling of entropy increments. At the receiver, this representation can be decoded into a full color picture of the same perceived quality and resolution as a picture represented and processed in conventional ways. Technical developments related to this representation have been presented here before; and specific technical advantages have been registered. This technology eliminates the burden of front-end color space transformation, and removes the complexity of separate computations for chromatic and achromatic processing. Specific applications comprise four areas: (1) Simplification of processing, storage, compression, and transmission of digital color images. (2) Economical full-color upgrading of black and white image capturing systems. (3) Increase up to 4x of spatial resolution in high-quality digital image capturing systems currently designed for triplane color capture (three separate CCDs). (4) Extension of the three areas above to dynamic sequences (digital video and motion pictures). [truncated]© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Solid molecular hydrogen as a quantum crystal

Abstract Using a Jastrow basis, variation method, and a cluster expansion approximation, we computed the cohesive energy and P-V relation for solid molecular hydrogen. In doing this, we developed a pair function having physical and computational utility over a wider range of density than those previously employed in quantum crystals.
Sodium arsenite and heat shock induce stress proteins in precision-cut rat liver slices

The present study was undertaken to investigate the usefulness of stress proteins as early, sensitive indicators of hepatotoxicity. Induction of stress protein synthesis in precision-cut rat liver slices was examined following in vitro exposure to sodium arsenite or heat shock. Precision-cut rat liver slices were incubated with 10(-5) or 10(-6) M sodium arsenite for 2, 4 or 8 h in the presence of 35S-methionine or exposed to hyperthermia (42.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C) for 45 min and then incubated with 35S-methionine for 2, 4 or 8 h. Fluorographic analysis indicated an increase in the synthesis of HSP 70 and HSP 90 family of proteins by both treatments. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that there was a specific induction of HSP 72 and HSP 90. Induction of HSP 70 was greater than that of HSP 90 by both treatments. Stress protein induction occurred at earlier times by concentrations of arsenite which did not alter other viability parameters such as leakage of intracellular K+ or total protein synthesis. The results indicated that induction of stress proteins has the potential usefulness as an early biomarker of arsenite toxicity.
Efficient detection of counterfeit products in large-scale RFID systems using batch authentication protocols

RFID technology facilitates processing of product information, making it a promising technology for anti-counterfeiting. However, in large-scale RFID applications, such as supply chain, retail industry, pharmaceutical industry, total tag estimation and tag authentication are two major research issues. Though there are per-tag authentication protocols and probabilistic approaches for total tag estimation in RFID systems, the RFID authentication protocols are mainly per-tag-based where the reader authenticates one tag at each time. For a batch of tags, current RFID systems have to identify them and then authenticate each tag sequentially, one at a time. This increases the protocol execution time due to the large volume of authentication data. In this paper, we propose to detect counterfeit tags in large-scale system using efficient batch authentication protocol. We propose FSA-based protocol, FTest, to meet the requirements of prompt and reliable batch authentication in large-scale RFID applications. FTest can determine the validity of a batch of tags with minimal execution time which is a major goal of large-scale RFID systems. FTest can reduce protocol execution time by ensuring that the percentage of potential counterfeit products is under the user-defined threshold. The experimental result demonstrates that FTest performs significantly better than the existing counterfeit detection approaches, for example, existing authentication techniques.
The role of free amino acids in osmoregulation of cricket blood (Acheta domesticus)

Abstract The blood volume increased during normal feeding, and did not decrease during fasting at the end of the stadium. The unexpectedly high blood volume of starved crickets might be an adaptation to increase chances for moulting via stretch receptor stimulation. The amount of blood amino acids was not changed by feeding, but increased with fasting or starvation. Thus amino acid levels in the blood were not directly related to amino acid input from the gut. The blood protein concentration did not change during starvation, but the amino acid concentration was 33% higher in starved crickets that drank water as opposed to those given saline to drink. Thus amino acid levels in the blood were not related directly to blood protein concentration. The blood amino acid concentration was 19–22 mM/l in response to salt intake by feeding crickets or starved crickets drinking saline. The concentration was 32–38 mM/l when the crickets were fasting prior to and after ecdysis or when starved with water to drink during the time when they would normally be feeding. The increase of amino acids during fasting was due to a proportional increase in all amino acids augmented by a 3 × increase in tyrosine. The increase during salt depleting starvation was due to a doubling of the two predominant amino acids proline and glycine. Proline and glycine were not increased in starved crickets drinking saline, thus starvation was not the reason for the increase. This is the first instance where specific amino acids have been implicated in osmoregulation.
On harmonic functions of killed random walks in convex cones

We prove the existence of uncountably many nonnegative harmonic functions for random walks in the euclidean space with non-zero drift, killed when leaving general convex cones with vertex in 0. We also make the natural conjecture about the Martin boundary for lattice random walks in general convex cones in two dimensions. Proving that the set of harmonic functions found is the full Martin boundary for these processes is an open problem.
Electro-caloric effects of Li+, OH− and Ag+ dipoles in alkali halides

Abstract The electro-caloric effect from paraelectric impurities becomes anisotropic for high fields (μE > kT) applied in different crystallographic directions. Measurements were performed on the “model systems” KCl:Li and KBr:OH and on the new paraelectric system RbCl:Ag. Equilibrium directions and electric moment of the dipoles can be accurately determined from these measurements.
GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN TWO MOLLUSKS, APLYSIA CALIFORNICA AND HELIX ASPERSA,AND IN THE LEECH, NEPHELOPSIS OBSCURA

Abstract The presence of glycosaminoglycans was examined in two mollusks (Pulmonates): the terrestrial garden snail, Helix aspersa, and the opishtobranchian sea slug, Aplysia californica and also in the leech (Hirudinea, Erpobdellidae, Nephelopsis obscura ). Organs in the garden snail contained predominately chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate as a lesser component. The ctenidium of the sea slug contained mainly chondroitin sulfate and a compound which migrated on electrophoresis as heparin but additional data indicated that it could also represent a highly sulfated form of heparan sulfate. The foregut contained only the heparin-like polymer. No standard glycosaminoglycan could be identified in the leech although a polydispersed polysaccharide containing uronic acid, hexosamine and sulfate was shown to be present. A detailed analysis of the heparan sulfate isolated from the garden snail is also given.
Dual Pathways for Copper Uptake by Methanotrophic Bacteria

Methanobactin (Mb), a 1217-Da copper chelator produced by the methanotroph Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b, is hypothesized to mediate copper acquisition from the environment, particularly from insoluble copper mineral sources. Although indirect evidence suggests that Mb provides copper for the regulation and activity of methane monooxygenase enzymes, experimental data for direct uptake of copper loaded Mb (Cu-Mb) are lacking. Uptake of intact Cu-Mb by M. trichosporium OB3b was demonstrated by isotopic and fluorescent labeling experiments. Confocal microscopy data indicate that Cu-Mb is localized in the cytoplasm. Both Cu-Mb and unchelated Cu are taken up by M. trichosporium OB3b, but by different mechanisms. Uptake of unchelated Cu is inhibited by spermine, suggesting a porin-dependent passive transport process. By contrast, uptake of Cu-Mb is inhibited by the uncoupling agents carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and methylamine, but not by spermine, consistent with an active transport process. Cu-Mb from M. trichosporium OB3b can also be internalized by other strains of methanotroph, but not by Escherichia coli, suggesting that Cu-Mb uptake is specific to methanotrophic bacteria. These findings are consistent with a key role for Cu-Mb in copper acquisition by methanotrophs and have important implications for further investigation of the copper uptake machinery.
An unusual case of fatal hepatic sarcoidosis.

Abstract An unusual case of sarcoidosis, chiefly involving the liver is reported. In this patient severe impairment of hepatic function was produced by the granulomatous infiltration. Little or no benefit resulted from cortisone therapy and, indeed, there is evidence to support the opinion that steroid administration caused a paradoxic therapeutic effect by converting the granulomatous lesions to an extensive fibrosis of the liver.
Multimodality Noninvasive Imaging For Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Primer

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has recently emerged as a treatment option for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). For patients who are deemed inoperable for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), TAVI has a significant mortality benefit compared to medical therapy. This review discusses established and emerging roles for multimodality imaging and focuses on the application of these technologies for patient selection, intraprocedural guidance, and the detection and quantification of acute and chronic complications of this novel procedure.
Just FUN: a joint fountain coding and network coding approach to loss-tolerant information spreading

To address the problem of information spreading over lossy communication channels, this paper proposes a joint FoUntain coding and Network coding (FUN) approach. Different from the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), our FUN approach is a mechanism of Forward Error Correction (FEC), which does not use retransmission for recovery of lost packets. The novelty of our FUN approach lies in combining the best features of fountain coding, intra-session network coding, and cross-next-hop network coding. As such, our FUN approach is capable of achieving unprecedented high throughput over lossy channels. Experimental results demonstrate that our FUN approach achieves higher throughput than the existing schemes for multihop wireless networks.
Utility and framing

Standard principles of rational decision assume that an option’s utility is both comprehensive and accessible. These features constrain interpretations of an option’s utility. This essay presents a way of understanding utility and laws of utility. It explains the relation between an option’s utility and its outcome’s utility and argues that an option’s utility is relative to a specification of the option. Utility’s relativity explains how a decision problem’s framing affects an option’s utility and its rationality even for an agent who is cognitively perfect and lacks only empirical information. The essay rewrites standard laws of utility to accommodate relativization to propositions’ specifications. The new laws are generalizations of the standard laws and yield them as special cases.
Corticosteroids in COPD. A clinical trial and reassessment of the literature.

A placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over trial was conducted to assess whether 16 men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would benefit from orally taken corticosteroids. Two weeks of treatment with 40 mg of prednisone daily did not result in improvement of pulmonary symptoms or function in the group as a whole, although one patient had small improvement in airflow, The baseline spirometric data and beta-agonist responsiveness of the patients in the study were then compared to a reference population consisting of 264 men who fulfilled a criteria for chronic obstruction out of 730 men who comprised a systematic sample drawn from all patients referred for spirometry at three hospitals. Our study subjects and those of five similar trials of corticosteroids in COPD had more severe obstruction than this reference group. Furthermore, the proportion of steroid responders found in each study was inversely related to the baseline FEV 1 of the patients examined. It appears that previous studies of corticosteroids in COPD may have overestimated the number of COPD patients who might benefit from corticosteroids, due to a bias resulting from the selection of severely obstructed subjects.
Publishing in Educational Psychology Journals: Comments from Editors

The following paper emphasizes the importance of publishing and learning how to publish in educational psychology journals. We have compiled a set of recommendations based on advice from editors in the field and several other sources on how to publish. Additionally, this paper provides a step-by-step guide that graduate students and junior faculty may consider to create more organization, substance, and style in their writing as possible. Although this paper is intended for educational psychologists, beginning scholars in other fields may find the guidance this paper offers to be relevant.
Prognosis of Stage II non-small cell lung cancer according to tumor and nodal status at diagnosis.

Summary Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor and node status among patients with Stage II non-small cell lung cancer using a population-based national database. Methods: We identified all primary cases of Stage II non-small cell lung cancer diagnosed prior to autopsy from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry. Lung cancer-specific survival curves were obtained for the 5254 patients who had curative surgical resection, stratifying for tumor and node status (T1-2N1M0, T3N0M0). The 12.5-year Kaplan-Meier estimator of survival was used as a measure of lung cancer cure rate. The influence of gender, age, cell type, pathologic tumor status, nodal metastasis, surgical method, and post-operative radiation therapy were evaluated using Cox regression. Results: Survival was better for T1N1 cases during the first 3–4 years after diagnosis. Five-year survival for T1N1 and T3N0 cases however, was not significantly different (46% versus 48%, p = 0.4) and the cure rate was somewhat higher for T3N0 cases (33% versus to 27%, p = 0.10). T2N1 cases had the worst overall survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender, age, tumor and nodal status, and histology were independent prognostic factors. Conclusions: Among Stage II cancers, T3N0 cases have the highest cure rate and an overall survival pattern that more closely resembles T1N1 tumors. Several clinico-pathologic characteristics are significantly associated with survival and may explain some of the heterogeneity in outcomes among Stage II patients. These results suggest that T3N0 cases may be better classified as Stage IIA disease.
The bounds of smart decline: a foundational theory for planning shrinking cities

Economic decline has led to a new wave of population decline throughout the US, meaning more and more cities are shrinking. Growing interest in using smart decline principles to respond to shrinkage has been met with controversy in cities such as Detroit and Cleveland. This paper advances a foundational theory of smart decline that takes as its starting point discussions of ethics, equity, and social justice in the planning and political theory literature, but is well grounded in observations of successful smart decline practice.
Generating random fiber network topologies that mimic previously characterized networks

Fibrous proteins, such as collagen and elastin, form the underlying structure of many soft tissues. These proteins form micrometer-scale networks of varying topology that play a role in governing the mechanics of tissues at larger length scales [1]. The relationship between a network’s topology and its mechanics, however, are poorly understood. This disconnect presents an important challenge in constructing realistic multiscale models of tissues informed by collagen network micrographs and subsequently reconstructed networks [2]. Accurate multiscale simulations may require thousands to millions of such unique networks. It is imperative that a method be developed to generate random networks that are functionally similar to ones derived experimentally. In the current study, we present a probabilistic method for generating de novo networks that mimic the mechanical properties of previously characterized networks. We chose Delaunay and Voronoi networks as model targets because they have been used successfully to model the mechanics of collagenous tissues [3] and since their topologies are well characterized. Understanding the role of topology in network mechanics is fundamental to building improved models of the mechanics of fibrous soft tissues — models that can aid in the rational design of engineered tissues or that can help assess the mechanical impact of damage or disease on native tissues.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Cryoablation of unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Background. Most patients with pancreatic cancer are not candidates for curative resection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety of an intraoperative ultrasound-guided cryosurgical procedure in a phase I study of unresectable pancreatic cancer. Methods. From March 1995 to March 1999, 10 cryosurgeries using intraoperative ultrasound were performed on 9 patients with unresectable cancers at laparotomy. Four patients had a concurrent gastrojejunostomy, 2 had a chemical splanchnicectomy, and 1 underwent a concurrent hepatic cryosurgical procedure. Results. There was no intraoperative morbidity or mortality. No patients developed postoperative pancreatitis or fistula. All patients had good pain control postoperatively and were tolerating a regular diet at the time of discharge. Pain control at discharge was achieved with an oral formulation (4/9), transdermal patch (3/9), no pain medication (1/9), and intravenous patient controlled analgesia (1/9). Conclusions. Ultrasound-guided cryoablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer appears safe and may contribute to improved postoperative pain control. Future studies to determine its therapeutic role in the management of unresectable pancreatic cancer are indicated. (Surgery 2002;131:463-4).