cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preoperative functional status predicts 2-year mortality in patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair.

BACKGROUND Fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) is a minimally invasive alternative for patients at high risk of open repair of complex aortic aneurysms. Nearly all investigative study protocols evaluating F/BEVAR have required a predicted life expectancy of >2 years for study inclusion. However, accurate risk models for predicting 2-year survival in this patient population are lacking. We sought to identify the preoperative predictors of 2-year survival for patients undergoing F/BEVAR. METHODS The prospectively collected data for all consecutive F/BEVAR procedures, performed in an institutional review board-approved registry and/or a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption (IDE) trial (IDE no. G130210), were reviewed (November 2010 to February 2019). We assessed 44 preoperative patient characteristics, including comorbidities, preoperative functional status, aneurysm morphologies, and repair techniques. Preoperative functional status was defined as totally dependent (any impairment in activities of daily living or residing in a skilled nursing facility), partially dependent (any impairment in instrumental activities of daily living), or independent (no impairment in activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living). Using the results of univariate analysis (P < .2), a Cox proportional hazards model was constructed to identify the independent predictors of 2-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS For the 256 consecutive patients who had undergone F/BEVAR (6 common iliac [2.3%], 94 juxtarenal [41%], 35 pararenal [14%], 119 thoracoabdominal [47%], and 2 arch [0.8%] aneurysms), the 2-year mortality was 18%. On Cox modeling, the only independent preoperative predictor contributing to 2-year mortality was functional status (totally dependent: hazard ratio [HR], 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-16; P = .0024; partially dependent: HR, 4.5; 95% CI, 2.4-8.7; P < .0000019). A history of an implanted anti-arrhythmic device was protective (HR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.99; P = .0495). Factors such as age, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aneurysm extent, and previous aortic surgery, were not significant. The 2-year mortality for the independent (n = 176; 69%), partially dependent (n = 69; 27%), and totally dependent (n = 10; 3.9%) groups was 11%, 33%, and 40%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS For patients undergoing F/BEVAR, decreased preoperative functional status was the strongest predictor of 2-year mortality, with totally dependent patients experiencing poor survival. The traditional risk factors were not independently significant, perhaps reflecting the high prevalence of severe chronic illness in these high-risk patients participating in an IDE trial. For the independent patients, the 2-year F/BEVAR survival rate was 89%, equivalent to patient survival after infrarenal EVAR. Therefore, for independent patients, it would be reasonable to expand the indication for F/BEVAR to low-risk patients.
Hierarchical Mapping for Crosslingual Word Embedding Alignment

The alignment of word embedding spaces in different languages into a common crosslingual space has recently been in vogue. Strategies that do so compute pairwise alignments and then map multiple la...
Antimicrobial Stewardship by Transitions of Care Pharmacists at Hospital Discharge.

Objectives: This study assessed the impact transitions of care (TOC) pharmacists have on optimizing antimicrobial use for patients at high risk for mortality at hospital discharge. In addition, thi...
Effect of testing methods on incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection rates in Veterans' Affairs medical centers.

Background: Healthcare-associated Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) rates have been decreasing in Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) acute-care medical facilities since the CDI Prevention Initiative began in 2012. Assessment of rates, however, is complicated by changing surveillance definitions and diagnostics. Over the past 2 years, the VA has adopted the less stringent surveillance definitions of the NHSN for hospital-onset healthcare-facility–associated (HO-HCFA) CDI (onset on or after day 4 of hospitalization) than was originally used (>48 hours after admission). New diagnostic testing methods have been developed, but variabilities in the reliability of testing methods for the diagnosis of CDI in patients have been detected, thus not yielding a gold standard test. As a result, some facilities use nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) for CDI diagnosis and reporting whereas others use a 2-step process of NAAT followed by a toxin enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test, with the latter determining positivity for reporting (as allowed by the NHSN). We reviewed CDI rates at facilities performing one-step and two-step testing to determine whether the testing protocol may be influencing CDI rate reporting. Methods: Data on HO-HCFA CDI rates entered monthly in fiscal year (FY) 2018 (October 2017 through September 2018) and FY2019 (October 2018 through September 2019) by each acute-care facility into the VA Inpatient Evaluation Center (IPEC) database were analyzed. HO-HCFA CDI rates in facilities that used NAAT in FY2018 and switched to in the 2-step NAAT plus EIA in FY2019 were compared to rates in facilities used NAAT alone for both FY2018 and FY2019. Statistical regression analysis was performed. Results: From FY 2018 through FY2019, 70 facilities performed NAAT for the entire 2-year period. Overall, 7 facilities performed NAAT for FY 2018 and then switched to NAAT + EIA in FY2019. We detected no significant decrease in HO-HCFA CDI rates in FY 2018 when both groups were using NAAT (P = 0.21) (Fig. 1). However, in FY2019, there was a significant decrease in HO-HCFA CDI rates for those facilities that performed the 2-step testing versus those facilities that continued to use strictly NAAT alone (P < .0001). Conclusions: HO-HCFA CDI rates decreased for those VA acute-care facilities that switched to 2-step testing, and this finding highlights implications for assessing rates over time. Given the variable reliability of the toxin test, individual patient consideration for therapeutic decisions is reasonable. Funding: None Disclosures: None
Face burns: A four-year experience.

Introduction Burns on the face pose unique management challenges because they are in a place that is constantly visible, so scars are hard to hide. The goal of this study was to review our experience of adult patients who had face burns. Methods We performed a retrospective review of adult patients (≥ 18 years old) who were admitted to a regional burn center from July 2015 - June 2019 with face burns. Sex, age, ethnicity, burn etiology, burn size, and discharge status were collected from electronic medical records of the patients who met study criteria. Descriptive statistics, student's t-tests, and chi-square tests were performed in Stata/SE 16.1. Significance was defined as a p-value Results In four years, 595/1705 patients (~35% of admissions) were admitted with face burns. The mean age was 44.9 ± 17.0 (mean ± SD) years, with the majority being men (475, 80%). The mean burn size was 19.8 ± 20.9% total body surface area (TBSA) with 10.1 ± 19.8% TBSA being third degree. The mean head burn size for any face burn was 2.8 ± 1.8% TBSA. The majority of burns were due to flames (478, 80%) and of those 122 (21%) were from accelerant use and 43 (7%) resulted from propane or butane use. Scalds caused 53 (9%), electric 25 (4%), hot tar 5 (1%), and chemical 5 (1%). Overall, 208 (35%) patients had grafting of some portion of their body, but only 31 patients (5.2%) had face grafting. The mean age of those with face grafting compared to patients who did not need grafting was 45.9 ± 13.8 and 44.9 ± 17.2 years, respectively. Patients who needed grafting had a mean third degree burn size of 31.7 ± 25.4% TBSA and a mean head (including face) burn size of 4.7 ± 2.0% TBSA, whereas patients who did not need grafting had a mean third degree burn size of 8.9 ± 18.7% TBSA and a mean head burn size of 2.7 ± 1.8% head TBSA. Patients requiring face grafts had longer lengths of stay, intensive unit stays, ventilator days, and mortality than those whose face burns healed spontaneously. Discussion Overall, head burns in adults were common within the four-year time span we studied, but only a small fraction (5%) had face grafts. The patients who needed grafting for their head burns had significantly larger total body and face burns, and had a 2.4-fold higher mortality rate compared to patients who did not need grafting. Most face burns were caused by flame, especially the use of accelerants or flammable gases. Prevention efforts should focus on avoiding the use of accelerants and being careful with flammable gases.
Linking academic worries and youth academic adjustment: The role of parental involvement

Abstract Using a multi-informant, longitudinal design, we investigated the independent and interactive associations between youth academic worries and parental involvement (parent-teacher relationship quality, academic socialization, schoolwork assistance) before the middle school transition as predictors of youth engagement and academic performance after the middle school transition among 100 youth (53% boys; Mage = 11.05 years; 57% White). We found that maternal academic socialization moderated the prospective association between youth academic worries and academic adjustment, such that youth who experienced more academic worries coupled with higher maternal academic socialization had higher academic performance and engagement; no association emerged for lower maternal academic socialization. Further, maternal schoolwork assistance before middle school directly predicted better academic performance during middle school. Findings highlight the importance of maternal schoolwork assistance in promoting youths' academic performance, as well as maternal academic socialization in promoting higher academic performance and engagement for youth experiencing more academic worries.
Indirect measurement of absolute cardiac output during exercise in simulated altered gravity is highly dependent on the method

Altered gravity environments introduce cardiovascular changes that may require continuous hemodynamic monitoring in both spaceflight and terrestrial analogs. Conditions in such environments are often prohibitive to direct/invasive methods and therefore, indirect measurement techniques must be used. This study compares two common cardiac measurement techniques used in the human spaceflight domain, pulse contour analysis (PCA—Nexfin) and inert gas rebreathing (IGR—Innocor), in subjects completing ergometer exercise under altered gravity conditions simulated using a tilt paradigm. Seven subjects were tilted to three different angles representing Martian, Lunar, and microgravity conditions in the rostrocaudal direction. They completed a 36-min submaximal cardiovascular exercise protocol in each condition. Hemodynamics were continuously monitored using Nexfin and Innocor. Linear mixed-effects models revealed a significant bias of $$25.7\pm 1.7$$ ml ( $$p<0.0001$$ ) in stroke volume and $$3.19\pm 0.18$$ l/min ( $$p<0.0001$$ ) in cardiac output, with Nexfin measuring greater than Innocor in both variables. These values are in agreement with a Bland-Altman analysis. The correlation of stroke volume and cardiac output measurements between Nexfin and Innocor were $$r=0.54$$ ( $$p<0.0001$$ ) and $$r=0.76$$ ( $$p<0.0001$$ ) respectively. There is a poor agreement in absolute stroke volume and cardiac output values between measurement via PCA (Nexfin) and IGR (Innocor) in subjects who are exercising in simulated altered gravity environments. These results suggest that the chosen measurement method and device greatly impacts absolute measurements of cardiac output. However, there is a good level of agreement between the two devices when measuring relative changes. Either of these devices seem adequate to capture cardiac changes, but should not be solely relied upon for accurate measurement of absolute cardiac output.
Does Modified Footwear Improve Gait After Ankle Arthrodesis

Rocker bottom shoes are commonly recommended for patients who have undergone ankle arthrodesis. Limited data are available to support this recommendation. In the present case-control study, 2 groups of participants were identified for the investigation: a study group (SG) of 9 patients who had previously undergone ankle arthrodesis and a normal group (NG) of 9 healthy volunteers. Gait data were collected using a video recorder while the participants walked barefoot and wearing rocker bottom shoes. These data were analyzed using computer-based gait analysis software. The total motion was calculated and averaged for each group for walking barefoot and wearing rocker bottom shoes. All participants completed the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society questionnaires. The total motion of the SG wearing rocker bottom shoes increased 4.8° (range 3.4° to 6.9°) on mean average, an improvement compared with walking barefoot (p < .05). In the NG, the shoe wear had no effect on the total motion (p = .59). Although the total motion in the SG approached the mean average of the total motion of the NG, it remained significantly less than that of the NG (p < .05). Additionally, the SG scored worse than the NG on both outcomes questionnaires (p < .05). Rocker bottom shoes had no effect on gait velocity. In conclusion, rocker bottom shoes significantly improve the total motion of ankle arthrodesis patients toward normal.
Noninvasive Tracking of Gene Transcript and Neuroprotection after Gene Therapy

Gene therapy holds exceptional potential for translational medicine by improving the products of defective genes in diseases and/or providing necessary biologics from endogenous sources during recovery processes. However, validating methods for the delivery, distribution and expression of the exogenous genes from such therapy can generally not be applicable to monitor effects over the long term because they are invasive. We report here that human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (hG-CSF) complimentary DNA (cDNA) encoded in self-complementary adeno-associated virus-type 2 adeno-associated virus, as delivered through eye drops at multiple time points after cerebral ischemia using bilateral carotid occlusion for 60 min (BCAO-60) led to significant reduction in mortality rates, cerebral atrophy and neurological deficits in C57black6 mice. Most importantly, we validated hG-CSF cDNA expression using translatable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in living brains. This noninvasive approach for monitoring exogenous gene expression in the brains has potential for great impact in the area of experimental gene therapy in animal models of heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's disorder and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the translation of such techniques to emergency medicine.
BROCK-SUCKOW POLYPOSIS OF THE COLON (OBLITERATIVE ARTERIOLARSCLEROSIS OF THE COLON?).

Summary Peculiar sessile polypoid lesions in the rectum and sigmoid were observed transiently in a patient treated with massive antimicrobial therapy and adrenocortical steroids. The gross and microscopic appearances of these lesions were identical with those first described by BRock and Suckow.
Soils and water [Chapter 18]

Wildlands play a special role in providing a reliable supply of high-quality water (Dissmeyer 2000), and, in particular, we rely on forest and rangeland soils to ensure clean, abundant water. Soils retain water and make it available to support vegetation, facilitate drainage to soil and ultimately to surface waters (streams and lakes), and recharge aquifers and groundwater. Soils also help regulate water quality by filtering out pollutants and regulating sediments. In this chapter, we explore the links between soil and water and evaluate some potential threats to the ability of forest and rangeland soils to provide clean, abundant water. We also identify information gaps and research needs.
Radiation chemical studies of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins

Publisher Summary Porphyrins (P) are tetrapyrrole macrocylic compounds with an extended π-system. Metal-free porphyrins can undergo several steps of reduction and oxidation at the macrocyclic ring π-system. Metalloporphyrins may undergo reduction and oxidation reactions both at the porphyrin π-system and at the central metal ion. The site and rate of such redox reactions strongly depend on the porphyrin structure, the nature of the central metal ion, and the environment. This chapter reviews the fundamental reactions of porphyrins and metalloporphyrins that have been studied by radiation chemical methods. The porphyrin π-system can donate a number of electrons to form the radical cation and dication. Pulse radiolysis has been used to oxidize porphyrins to the π-radical cations both in aqueous solutions and in organic solvents. In aqueous solutions, the •OH radical is not a good oxidant for porphyrins because it adds to the double bonds. However, oxidizing radicals such as Cl 2 - •, Br 2 - •, N 3 •, CCl 3 O 2 •, and •CH 2 CHO are suitable for this purpose.
Immunobiology of reproductive processes in men. Current concepts.

Abstract Aspects of recent research into the relationships between immunology and reproductive biology in men are reviewed, and current concepts of how immunologic techniques can be applied to fertility problems are explored.
More Vector Geometry

In this section we study the norm and the dot product in R 2 and R 3 . The norm of a vector is its length. Closely related to the norm is the dot product. The dot product is a function of two vectors that is related not only to their length but to the angle between them as well. Both of these functions are crucial tools for using vectors to study the plane and the space around us. Many of the ideas in this chapter are extended to R n in Chap. 9, where our intuitive understanding of geometry in R 2 and R 3 can be used (by analogy) to deepen our understanding of n-space.
Endometriosis of the appendix: Report of twelve cases and review of the literature

Abstract Twelve cases of endometriosis of the vermiform appendix are described and reviewed. The incidence of 0.80 per cent is higher than has been previously reported. None of the patients displayed symptoms of acute appendicitis, however, five (42 per cent) patients had symptoms suggestive of chronic or cyclic appendicitis. Laboratory tests were nondiagnostic of this lesion. There did not appear to be a correlation between the histologic location of the endometriosis and the symptoms of chronic or cyclic appendicitis. All cases of endometriosis of the appendix were discovered as a result of incidental appendectomy.
SIBLING CONCORDANCE FOR CLINICAL FEATURES OF DUCHENNE AND BECKER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHIES

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) may occur in multiple sons within a family and is associated with variable manifestations among brothers. Common medical complications include loss of ambulation, scoliosis, and cardiomyopathy. The life expectancy of boys with DBMD has improved from 14.4 years in the 1960s to 25.3 years in the 1990s, as more effective treatments have evolved, particularly the use of corticosteroids to preserve muscle function and improved respiratory management to prevent pulmonary complications.1,2 With increased life expectancy, more boys will experience complications associated with advanced disease, including increased use of mobility aids and treatment for scoliosis and cardiomyopathy. The mean ages for onset of these clinical milestones of disease progression have been published3–8 and can serve as a rough prognostic guide for newly diagnosed individuals. For families with more than 1 affected son, parents and medical providers may question how similar their clinical courses will be. For investigators in DBMD, the similarities and differences among siblings may also be important for studying the influence of modifying genes or the effects of new treatments on clinical outcomes. The purpose of this report is to use data from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet), a population-based public health surveillance program, to investigate the degree of concordance among siblings with DBMD for age at onset of key clinical milestones of disease progression. This information has important implications for prognostic counseling and anticipatory guidance in families with multiple affected siblings.
Immigrants' Incorporation in the United States after 9/11: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

This paper, written for a conference at the Radcliffe Institute, analyzes the state of immigrant incorporation in the U.S. in the post-9/11 era. After identifying the pivotal legal and political developments in immigration policy during the last decade, I discuss five elements of the incorporation phenomenon: (1) public attitudes toward immigration and (what is not always the same) toward immigrants, as well as the diversity that immigration brings to American life; (2) the role that affirmative action and other public benefits play in the incorporation of immigrants; (3) the role of federalism in structuring immigrant incorporation; (4) emergent notions of citizenship; and (5) the nature and extent of immigrant assimilation. The analysis includes some comparative references to recent developments in Canada and western Europe.
Disjunctive programming and cooperating solvers

There are two fundamental themes in constraint programming. One is discrete or finite domain constraint programming based on the constraint satisfaction model. The other is continuous constraint programming based on linear programming and its extensions. In this paper we propose techniques for making constraint solvers of these different types cooperate: we present a scheduling application of the Dutch Railways and a new kind of algorithm for solving disjunctive programming problems, one which could not be developed without cooperating solvers. What emerges is that cooperating solvers, which have old roots in special purpose operations research methods, constitute a basic technology with potentially wide applicability.
The significance of clinical trials.

Background: Clinical trials are essential for the development of new treatments. Whether a person should participate depends on their understanding of the risks and benefits for themselves and for society as a whole. Discussion: There are rules in place to protect human research subjects and all studies involving humans are reviewed locally to ensure that subjects are treated safely, fairly, and confidentially. Nevertheless, each subject should consider for themselves whether participation is consistent with their values. Conclusion: Clinical trials, when well-designed, can benefit the participants as well as the investigators, the sponsors, and the medical community.
Gender trends in dental leadership and academics: a twenty-two-year observation.

The purpose of this study was to examine gender disparities in dental leadership and academics in the United States. Nine journals that represent the dental specialties and high published impact factors were selected to analyze the percentage of female dentists’ first and senior authorship for the years 1986, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2008. Data on appointment status and female deanship were collected from the American Dental Association (ADA) survey, and the trends were studied. The proportion of female presidents in ADA-recognized specialty organizations was also calculated. Overall, the increase in first female authorship was not statistically significant, but the increase of last female authorship was statistically significant in a linear trend over the years. The percentage of tenured female faculty members and female deans in U.S. dental schools increased by factors of 1.7 and 9, respectively, during the study period. However, female involvement in professional organizations was limited. Findings from this study indicate that female participation in authorship and leadership has increased over time. Nevertheless, females are still a minority in dental academics and leadership.
The antithyroid activity of 5-iodo-2-thiouracil.

In tests with mature rats, thiouracil and 5-iodothiouracil (ITU) proved equally effective in suppressing thyroid uptake of iodide, and in suppressing organic binding of iodide by thyroid tissue. Intact ITU, synthesized with I(131), entered the thyroid both in vitro and in vivo, but no concentration gradient be tween thyroid and blood serum was found. The ability of a single thyroid to deiodinate ITU was negligible, but deiodination was appreciable in the whole animal. A mixture of thiouracil-KI increased the thyrotrophic activity of pituitaries of rats, while ITU did not. However, both thiouracil and ITU produced a small augmentation of exogenous thyrotrophin action, and both increased the biologic decay rate of thyroidal iodine. Measurement of urinary products after injection of radioactive ITU permitted an estimate of the contribution of released thiouracil and iodide to the antithyroid effect of ITU. It was concluded that ITU is an active antithyroid compound similar to thiouracil, but that the antithy...
Predictors of Responsible Behavior in Members of Three Wisconsin Conservation Organizations

Abstract Wisconsin members of Trout Unlimited (TU), Ducks Unlimited (DU), and the Wisconsin Trappers' Association (WTA) were surveyed to assess the most parsimonious sets of eight selected variables that best predicted responsible environmental behavior and to what extent these sets of variables differed from the most parsimonious set of predictors of responsible environmental behavior in a selected Sierra Club sample. The most parsimonious set of variables best predicting overt responsible environmental behavior of the TU sample consisted of perceived skill in using environmental action strategies (SKILL) and level of environmental sensitivity (LES, total R 1 − .1513). For the DU sample, the most parsimonious set of predictors consisted of SKILL and individual locus of control (total R2 = .2077). For the WTA sample, the most parsimonious set of predictors consisted of SKILL, LES, and group locus of control (total R 2 = .5023). The most parsimonious set of predictor variables for the selected Sierra Club ...
The evolution of glutathione metabolism in phototrophic microorganisms.

Of the many roles ascribed to glutathione (GSH) the one most clearly established is its role in the protection of higher eucaryotes against oxygen toxicity through destruction of thiol-reactive oxygen byproducts. If this is the primary function of GSH then GSH metabolism should have evolved during or after the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. That many bacteria do not produce GSH is consistent with this view. In the present study we have examined the low-molecular-weight thiol composition of a variety of phototrophic microorganisms to ascertain how evolution of GSH production is related to evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. Cells were extracted in the presence of monobromobimane (mBBr) to convert thiols to fluorescent derivatives, which were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Significant levels of GSH were not found in the green bacteria (Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum and Chloroflexus aurantiacus). Substantial levels of GSH were present in the purple bacteria (Chromatium vinosum, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, and Rhodocyclus gelatinosa), the cyanobacteria [Anacystis nidulans, Microcoleus chthonoplastes S.G., Nostoc muscorum, Oscillatoria amphigranulata, Oscillatoria limnetica, Oscillatoria sp. (Stinky Spring, Utah), Oscillatoria terebriformis, Plectonema boryanum, and Synechococcus lividus], and eucaryotic algae (Chlorella pyrenoidsa, Chlorella vulgaris, Euglena gracilis, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). Other thiols measured included cysteine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, thiosulfate, coenzyme A, and sulfide; several unidentified thiols were also detected. Many of the organisms examined also exhibited a marked ability to reduce mBBr to syn-(methyl,methyl)bimane, an ability that was quenched by treatment with 2-pyridyl disulfide or 5,5'-bisdithio-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) prior to reaction with mBBr. These observations indicate the presence of a reducing system capable of electron transfer to mBBr and reduction of reactive disulfides. The distribution of GSH in phototrophic eubacteria indicates that GSH synthesis evolved at or around the time that oxygenic photosynthesis evolved.
Photoabsorption And Fluorescence Cross Sections Of Halogen Compounds In VUV

The photoabsorption and fluorescence cross sections of several halogen compounds were measured in the 50-200 nm region using synchrotron radiation as a light source. The data of halogen molecules, HF, HC1, HBr, C12, CF4, SiF,, CH C1, CH2Cl2, CHC1, ffi , CC1,, CF H, CF3C1 CF Br, and C2F3C1 are summarized in this paper. The ffuorescence spectta fro excited phbitofragmencs and excited ions were dispersed to identify the emitting species.
A comparison of internal eliminated sequences in the genes that encode two K(+)-channel isoforms in Paramecium tetraurelia.

We examined both the somatic (macro-) and the germinal (micronuclear) DNAs that encode two K + -channel isoforms, PAKI and PAK11, in Paramecium tetraurelia. The coding regions of these two isoforms are 88% identical in nucleotides and 95% identical in amino acids. Their introns are also highly conserved. Even some of the internal eliminated sequences in PAKI and PAKII are clearly related. PAKI has five IESs; PAK11 has four. The first (5'-most) IESs of the two genes are located at the same site in the coding sequence but differ in size. The 2nd IES in PAKI (206-bp), the largest among the nine IESs, has no PAKII counterpart. The 3rd, 4th and 5th IESs in PAKI have a counterpart in PAKII that is similar in size and in sequence, and identical in its position in the coding sequence. In addition, the first IES of PAKII bears some resemblance to the 4th one of PAKI. The similarities and differences between the two sets of IESs are discussed with respect to the origin and divergence of the two K + -channel isoforms.
Deconvolution of the circular dichroism spectra of proteins: The circular dichroism spectra of the antiparallel β-sheet in proteins

A recently developed algorithm, called Convex Constraint Analysis (CCA), was successfully applied to determine the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the pure β-pleated sheet in globular proteins. On the basis of X-ray diffraction determined secondary structures, the original data set used (Perczel, A., Hollosi, M., Tusnady, G. Fasman, G.D. Convex constraint analysis: A natural deconvolution of circular dichroism curves of proteins, Prot. Eng., 4:-669–679, 1991), was improved by the addition of proteins with high β-pleated sheet content. The analysis yielded CD curves of the pure components of the main secondary structural elements (α-helix, antiparallel β-pleated sheet, β-turns, and unordered conformation), as well as a curve attributed to the “aromatic contribution” in the wavelength range of 195–240 nm. Upon deconvolution the curves obtained were assigned to various secondary structures. The calculated weights (percentages determining the contributions of each pure component curve in the measured CD spectra of a given protein) were correlated with the X-ray diffraction determined percentages in an assignment procedure and were evaluated. The Pearson product correlation coefficients (R) are significant for all five components. The new pure component curves, which were obtained through deconvolution of the protein CD spectra alone, are promising candidates for determining the percentages of the secondary structural components in globular proteins without the necessity of adopting an X-ray database. The CD spectrum of the CheY protein was interesting because it has the characteristic shape associated with the α-helical structure, but upon analysis yielded a considerable amount of β-sheet in agreement with the X-ray structure. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Centrosome reduction during rhesus spermiogenesis : γ-tubulin, centrin, and centriole degeneration

Centrosome reduction during spermiogenesis has been studied using anti-gamma-tubulin and anti-centrin antibodies and electron microscopy in nonhuman primates. Rhesus spermatids possess apparently normal centrosomes comprising a pair of centrioles associated with gamma-tubulin and centrin. However, they do not nucleate detectable microtubules. The spermatids discard gamma-tubulin in the residual bodies during the spermiation stage. Mature sperm do not have any detectable gamma-tubulin. About half of the centrin associated with the distal centriole degenerates during spermiogenesis and the remainder is intimately bound to the centriolar microtubules. The mature sperm possess highly degenerated distal centrioles. The centriolar microtubules degenerate in the rostral region and the ventral side of the sperm. The study indicates that the centrosome is reduced during rhesus spermiogenesis, but not completely as in mice.
Cuban Economic Performance in Retrospect

The performance of the Cuban economy during the past half century is evaluated. The primary focus is on per capita GDP, but consideration is given as well to the Human Development Index (HDI) and even broader conceptions of human development. The summary conclusion is that Cuba has performed well neither absolutely nor in comparison with the rest of Latin America and that the main causes for this must be domestic.
Transferosomes - A vesicular transdermal delivery system for enhanced drug permeation

Transdermal administration of drugs is generally limited by the barrier function of the skin. Vesicular systems are one of the most controversial methods for transdermal delivery of active substances. The interest in designing transdermal delivery systems was relaunched after the discovery of elastic vesicles like transferosomes, ethosomes, cubosomes, phytosomes, etc. This paper presents the composition, mechanisms of penetration, manufacturing and characterization methods of transferosomes as transdermal delivery systems of active substances. For a drug to be absorbed and distributed into organs and tissues and eliminated from the body, it must pass through one or more biological membranes/barriers at various locations. Such a movement of drug across the membrane is called as drug transport. For the drugs to be delivered to the body, they should cross the membranous barrier. The concept of these delivery systems was designed in an attempt to concentrate the drug in the tissues of interest, while reducing the amount of drug in the remaining tissues. Hence, surrounding tissues are not affected by the drug. In addition, loss of drug does not happen due to localization of drug, leading to get maximum efficacy of the medication. Therefore, the phospholipid based carrier systems are of considerable interest in this era.
Does sex determination start at conception

Recent molecular studies of mammalian sexual determination have been focused on gene expression in the gonadal ridge at the time of appearance of sexual dimorphism: the critical time defined by the 'Jost principle'. Three lines of evidence suggest that, instead, sex determination may start shortly after conception: (1) the XY preimplantation embryo usually develops more rapidly than the XX preimplantation embryo (this phenotype has been linked to the Y chromosome and will be termed 'Growth factor Y'); (2) the gene for testis determination, SRY/Sry, and the closely linked genes ZFY/Zfy and Smcy, are transcribed in the preimplantation embryo; and (3) male and female preimplantation embryos are antigenically distinguishable, indicating sex differences in gene expression. The data to support these assertions are reviewed. Possible relationships of these three phenomena to each other and to sex differentiation are discussed. Similarities in mechanisms of sexual determination between marsupial and eutherian mammals are hypothesized. Problems with interpreting male sexual differentiation as being solely due to testosterone and Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) are discussed.
Effect of clear field ratio on critical dimension in the dry etching process

To improve the resolution and fidelity of the small size patterns as device nodes less than 0.18micrometers , mask makers is required to apply dry etch process. But with applying this process we would experience some problems which aren't happened on wet etching process like small-circled chrome defects, CD Mean to Target variation according to Clear Field Ratio and so on. Of all these barriers this paper is willing to handle with the desired CD Mean to Target control against Clear Field Ratio. In not only mask making but wafers the CD control is one of the most important factors to get good devices. With understanding of CD variation on Clean Field Ratio on each layers it can help for us to estimate macro loading effect and improve CD MTT by adjusting dose accurately or the desired develop recipes before dry etching application for high-end devices.
Utilization of amino acids by Chromatium sp. strain D.

1. Chromatium was unable to use any amino acids as carbon source, and only glutamate, glutamine and aspartate as nitrogen sources. 2. Addition of individual amino acids to otherwise adequate medium at concentrations of 5 mM did not inhibit growth. 3. Radioactive leucine and valine were incorporated only into cell protein during growth. Only leucine was labelled following growth in radioactive leucine but both valine and leucine were labelled following growth in valine. 4. After labelled alanine incorporation, radioactivity was found in the lipid and nucleic acid fractions as well as in protein, but over 70% of the counts recovered in the protein fraction were in alanine. 5. Growth and short-term uptake experiments showed reduction of leucine uptake in the presence of valine or isoleucine. Uptake of leucine and alanine was light-stimulated and reduced by chloramphenicol. 6. No evidence of induction of amino acid uptake systems was found, and amino acid converting enzymes, as well as some key biosyntehtic activities, were not affected by growth in amino-acid-containing media. 7. It is suggested that the limited use made of amino acids by Chromatium is due to absence of high-affinity transport systems, to limited product inhibition of key biosynthetic enzymes, and to restricted capacity for metabolic conversion of exogenous compounds.
Energy levels of 122,124Te populated by (3He, d) AND (p, t) reactions

Abstract The 121,123 Sb( 3 He,d) and 124,126 Te(p,t) reactions were used to study the levels of 122,124 Te nuclei. The bombarding energies were 25 and 33 MeV, respectively. Deuteron and triton spectra were analyzed with a broad-range magnetic spectrograph. Angular distributions for states up to approximately 4 MeV of excitation in 122 Te and 124 Te are compared with DWBA predictions to extract angular-momentum transfer values and single-proton transfer strengths. Level energies and J π values are compared with previous measurements.
Neurogenic bladder and the lumbar spine

Abstract From a large number of patients with urologic symptoms, 8 were selected in six years as having “true neurogenic bladder” with chronic and mild symptoms in the lumbar spine. Symptoms and neurologic and radiologic findings in the preoperative period are described. The type of urologic evaluation is briefly presented with characteristic examples. The postoperative results of these and other series are presented and questioned because of the lack of improvement on urodynamic studies in patients deemed better clinically. The need for a complete evaluation with more sophisticated urologic tests before and after surgery is stressed before a final decision regarding the relation between neurogenic bladder and “asymptomatic” cauda equina compression can be reached.
Case recognition and assessment of father-daughter incest.

Incest and its accompanying taboo have been much discussed since tribal times. Sigmund Freud, in Totem and Taboo, was one of the earliest theorists to discuss the psychological impact of the taboo and its violation. Our topic is father-daughter incest. There are pockets of people within our culture who would promote father-daughter incest as healthy for the daughter's sexual development; in Sweden, a sexual relationship between an adolescent over age 18 and her father is not considered “incestual” under the law but is considered legally to be sexual behavior between consenting adults. Our bias is that father-daughter incest is exploitative of the child; a well-thought-out presentation of this view can be found in Finkelhor (1).
The re-expression of the epigenetically silenced e-cadherin gene by a polyamine analogue lysine-specific demethylase-1 (LSD1) inhibitor in human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines

Aberrant epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes is a common feature observed during the transformation process of many cancers, including those of hematologic origin. Histone modifications, including acetylation, phosphorylation, and methylation, collaborate with DNA CpG island methylation to regulate gene expression. The dynamic process of histone methylation is the latest of these epigenetic modifications to be described, and the identification and characterization of LSD1 as a demethylase of lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4) has confirmed that both the enzyme and the modified histone play important roles as regulators of gene expression. LSD1 activity contributes to the suppression of gene expression by demethylating promoter-region mono- and dimethyl-H3K4 histone marks that are associated with active gene expression. As most post-translational modifications are reversible, the enzymes involved in the modification of histones have become targets for chemotherapeutic intervention. In this study, we examined the effects of the polyamine analogue LSD1 inhibitor 2d (1,15-bis{N (5)-[3,3-(diphenyl)propyl]-N(1)-biguanido}-4,12-diazapentadecane) in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines. In each line studied, 2d evoked cytotoxicity and inhibited LSD1 activity, as evidenced by increases in the global levels of mono- and di-methylated H3K4 proteins. Global increases in other chromatin modifications were also observed following exposure to 2d, suggesting a broad response to this compound with respect to chromatin regulation. On a gene-specific level, treatment with 2d resulted in the re-expression of e-cadherin, a tumor suppressor gene frequently silenced by epigenetic modification in AML. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of the e-cadherin promoter further confirmed that this re-expression was concurrent with changes in both active and repressive histone marks that were consistent with LSD1 inhibition. As hematologic malignancies have demonstrated promising clinical responses to agents targeting epigenetic silencing, this polyamine analogue LSD1 inhibitor presents an exciting new avenue for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of AML.
Translational Dysregulation by Pateamine A

Pateamine A inhibits translation by preventing proper translational initiation complex formation. In the December issue of Chemistry & Biology, Bordeleau et al. demonstrated that the effects of Patemine A on translation are mediated through the interaction between the RNA helicase eIF4A and mRNA .
Economic Integration, IT Intensity and the Aggregate Economic Impacts of IT Services Offshoring

This study examines the economic contributions of offshore IT outsourcing (or IT offshoring for short) by using an extended Cobb-Douglas production function, and a panel data set from 20 OECD countries over the 2000 to 2006 period. Our analysis indicates that IT offshoring has made a positive and significant contribution to national productivity. Previous research on IT offshoring has relied on case studies and practitioners' perceptions. In addition, our analysis supports the idea of economic integration. Thus, it sheds some light on the debate about whether IT offshoring is harmful or beneficial to a national economy [4]. We also investigate total factor productivity and the moderating effect of IT intensity on the degree and impacts of IT offshoring. We apply feasible generalized least squares and the Durbin-Wu-Hausman endogeneity test to handle context specific estimation issues. The results suggest that to reap greater value from IT offshoring, developed countries need to establish IT capabilities by investing in IT capital.
Acetylcholine induced slow-waves in cat esophageal smooth muscle.

Abstract 1. 1. Electrical activity of cat esophageal smooth muscle was investigated with pressure electrodes. 2. 2. Most preparations were quiescent although some gave brief periods of spontaneous slow-waves and spikes. 3. 3. Application of 10−5 M Ach induced slow-wave and spike activity to otherwise quiescent preparations. Lower concentrations of Ach induced spike discharge without slow-waves. Continued exposure to Ach caused desensitization which could be reversed by incubation in normal solution. 4. 4. Slow-waves were insensitive to 10−4 M ouabain or 10−6 M TTX application but exposure to low sodium solutions (15% of normal) eliminated activity. 5. 5. It is concluded that esophageal slow-waves may result from a TTX insensitive, sodium dependent process as in the guinea pig ileum.
Social Value Orientation and Helping Behavior1

The present study investigated the relationship between people's social value orientations and helping behavior. Subjects dassified a priori as either cooperators, individualists, or competitors were mailed a request to volunteer from zero to ten hours of their time to a worthy cause. Subjects were asked to indicate on their response forms the number of hours, if any, that they wished to contribute and to retum these forms using an enclosed self-addressed envelope regardless of whether they intended to donate any hours. The results revealed that subjects of all three social value orientations were equally likely to comply to the small request to return their response forms. However, the number of hours that subjects contributed differed as a function of their social values. As predicted, cooperators contributed significantly more of their time to the cause than did individualists and competitors. We relate these findings to previous research on social values and helping behavior.
The Dynamics of Multispecies, Multi-Life-Stage Models of Aquatic Food Webs

We investigated the dynamics of models of aquatic food webs using stability analysis methods previously applied to other types of food web models. Our models expanded traditional Lotka-Volterra models of predator-prey interactions in several ways. We added life history structure to these models in order to investigate its effects. Life history omnivory is different life history stages of a species feeding in trophically different positions in a food web. Such a species might appear omnivorous, integrating across all stages, but the individual stage might not be. Other important additions to the basic models included stock-recruitment relationships between adults and young and food-dependent maturation rates for early life history stages. Complex models of multispecies interactions were built from basic ones by adding new features sequentially. Our analysis revealed five major features of our multispecies, multi-life-stage models. Omnivory reduces stability, as it does in food web models without life history structure. However, life history omnivory reduces stability much less than single life stage omnivory does. Stock recruitment relationships affect the likelihood of finding stable models. If the maturation rate of young varies with their food supply, the chance of finding stable models decreases. Finally, predation loops of the type A eats B, B eats A, or A eats B, B eats C, C eats A greatly reduce model stability. We present both biological and mathematical explanations for these findings. We also discuss their implications for management of marine resources.