cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDA): An integrative analysis of a novel therapeutic target

We investigated biomarker CEACAM6, a highly abundant cell surface adhesion receptor that modulates the extracellular matrix (ECM) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) RNA-Seq data from PDA patients were analyzed for CEACAM6 expression and evaluated for overall survival, association, enrichment and correlations. A CRISPR/Cas9 Knockout (KO) of CEACAM6 in PDA cell line for quantitative proteomics, mitochondrial bioenergetics and tumor growth in mice were conducted. We found CEACAM6 is over-expressed in primary and metastatic basal and classical PDA subtypes. Highest levels are in classical activated stroma subtype. CEACAM6 over-expression is universally a poor prognostic marker in KRAS mutant and wild type PDA. High CEACAM6 expression is associated with low cytolytic T-cell activity in both basal and classical PDA subtypes and correlates with low levels of T-REG markers. In HPAF-II cells knockout of CEACAM6 alters ECM-cell adhesion, catabolism, immune environment, transmembrane transport and autophagy. CEACAM6 loss increases mitochondrial basal and maximal respiratory capacity. HPAF-II CEACAM6−/− cells are growth suppressed by >65% vs. wild type in mice bearing tumors. CEACAM6, a key regulator affects several hallmarks of PDA including the fibrotic reaction, immune regulation, energy metabolism and is a novel therapeutic target in PDA.
Temperature and self-reported mental health in the United States.

This study estimates the association between temperature and self-reported mental health. We match individual-level mental health data for over three million Americans between 1993 and 2010 to historical daily weather information. We exploit the random fluctuations in temperature over time within counties to identify its effect on a 30-day measure of self-reported mental health. Compared to the temperature range of 60–70°F, cooler days in the past month reduce the probability of reporting days of bad mental health while hotter days increase this probability. We also find a salience effect: cooler days have an immediate effect, whereas hotter days tend to matter most after about 10 days. Using our estimates, we calculate the willingness to pay to avoid an additional hot day in terms of its impact on self-reported mental health.
Interrater and Test-Retest Reliability of Performance-Based Clinical Tests Administered to Established Users of Lower Limb Prostheses.

Objective A major barrier to reducing falls among users of lower limb prostheses (LLP) has been an absence of statistical indices required for clinicians to select and interpret scores from performance-based clinical tests. The study aimed to derive estimates of reliability, measurement error, and minimal detectable change values in performance-based clinical tests administered to unilateral LLP users. Methods A total of 60 unilateral LLP users were administered the Narrowing Beam Walking Test, Timed ``Up and Go'' (TUG), Four Square Step Test (FSST), and 10-Meter Walk Test on 2 occasions, 3 to 9 days apart. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess interrater and test-retest reliability, while standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC90) were derived to establish estimates of measurement error in individual scores or changes in score for each test. Results Interrater reliability ICCs (1,1) were high for all tests (ie, ≥0.98). Test-retest ICCs (2,1) varied by test, ranging from .88 for the TUG to .97 for the FSST. SEM and MDC90 varied between .39 and .96 and between .91 seconds and 2.2 seconds for the time-based tests (FSST, TUG, 10-Meter Walk Test). SEM and MDC90 for the Narrowing Beam Walking Test were .07 and .16, respectively. Conclusion With the exception of the TUG, studied tests had test-retest ICCs (2,1) that exceeded the minimum required threshold to be considered suitable for group- and individual-level applications (ie, ICC ≥ 0.70 and ≥ 0.90, respectively). Future research on individuals with dysvascular and transfemoral amputations or in specific age categories is required. Impact Along with published validity indices, these reliability, error, and change indices can help clinicians select balance tests suitable for LLP users. They can also help clinicians interpret test scores to make informed, evidence-based clinical decisions.
Study on factors in frequency and degree of risky behaviors in adolescents

Objective To explore the factors in frequency and degree of risk behavior in adolescents,as well find the way to cope with adolescent mental health. Methods 1369 middle students and college students were measured by Risky Behavior Questionnaire for Adolescents (RBQ-A) ,and analyzed the data. Results (1) There were statistically significant among the different age in difference of risky behaviors except aggressive and/or violent behaviors. Males scored higher than females in unsafe sexual practices, aggressive and/or violent behaviors, dangerous,destructive,and/or illegal behaviors,alcohol and/or drug use and smoking(P<0.05 orP<0.01). Students in city scored higher than rural students in dangerous,destructive,and/or illegal behaviors and alcohol and/or drug use(P<0.05 or P< 0.01). Families with high income scored higher than low income in unsafe sexual practices and rule breaking(P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Families with low income scored higher than high income residences in dangerous,destructive,and/or illegal behaviors and alcohol and/or drug use(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (2) The significant differences were existed in unsafe sexual practices,aggressive and/or violent behaviors,dangerous, destructive,and/or illegal behaviors,alcohol and/or drug use and smoking between males and females (P<0.05 or P<0.01).The significant differences were existed in dangerous,destructive,and/or illegal behaviors and alcohol and/or drug use between groups of 16 years old and 14 ～ 15 years old (P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01). The significant differences were existed in dangerous,destructive,and/or illegal behaviors between urban and rural students (P< 0.05 orP<0.01).The significant differences were existed in total scores in gender and urban and rural(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion The significant differences are existed in rate of risky behaviors in gender,age,urban and rural. But there is different degree existed in it. Key words: Risky behaviors; Adolescent; Psychological measurement
Combinatorial Characterization of Queer Supercrystals (Survey)

We provide a characterization of the crystal bases for the quantum queer superalgebra recently introduced by Grantcharov et al. This characterization is a combination of local queer axioms generalizing Stembridge’s local axioms for crystal bases for simply-laced root systems, which were recently introduced by Assaf and Oguz, with further axioms and a new graph G characterizing the relations of the type A components of the queer crystal. We provide a counterexample to Assaf’s and Oguz’ conjecture that the local queer axioms uniquely characterize the queer supercrystal. We obtain a combinatorial description of the graph G on the type A components by providing explicit combinatorial rules for the odd queer operators on certain highest weight elements.
Study of the lowest-lying 4 − states in Zr 90 and Zr 92

Using particle $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-coincident techniques, an upper limit of about 8 \ensuremath{\mu}b/sr is placed on the forward angle cross section for the excitation in ($p,{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) at ${E}_{p}=17.2$ MeV of the ${4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state in $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}$ at 2.738 MeV. This upper limit is consistent with distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations using realistic interactions and reasonable wave functions. A ${4}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ state in $^{92}\mathrm{Zr}$ is identified at 2.740 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.010 MeV through the reaction $^{93}\mathrm{Nb}(d, ^{3}\mathrm{He})^{92}\mathrm{Zr}$ at ${E}_{d}=17.2$ MeV.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{90}\mathrm{Zr}(p,{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{\gamma})$, $^{93}\mathrm{Nb}(d, ^{3}\mathrm{He})$, ${E}_{p}=17.2$ MeV, ${E}_{d}=17.2$ MeV; measured $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}}, \ensuremath{\theta})$, $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{^{3}\mathrm{He}}, \ensuremath{\theta})$; calculated $\ensuremath{\sigma}({E}_{{p}^{\ensuremath{'}}}, \ensuremath{\theta})$ microscopic DWBA; $^{92}\mathrm{Zr}$ level measured, deduced ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}$.
Sociodrama, Activism, and Role Training to Empower Communities

This chapter will highlight the use of role-playing, especially sociodrama and role training in community empowerment and social activist movements. Historical context will be provided for the traditions of using drama, theater, and role-play in social work and social activism including Jacob Moreno’s vision of the theater as a modality for societal change. The sociodramatic approach will be outlined with focus on its utility in community settings as an experiential and communal experience of social action. Multiple examples of sociodrama or role training in communities are depicted with an emphasis on its adaptability for different settings and its effectiveness at empowering people. Examples include its application with youth, law enforcement, intergenerational dialogues, domestic violence response teams, undocumented immigrant communities, social work students, and to empower advocacy with employers, insurance providers, funders, or policy makers.
Impaired TRPV4-eNOS signaling in trabecular meshwork elevates intraocular pressure in glaucoma.

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of glaucoma that leads to irreversible vision loss. Dysfunction of trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue, a major regulator of aqueous humor (AH) outflow resistance, is associated with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in POAG. However, the underlying pathological mechanisms of TM dysfunction in POAG remain elusive. In this regard, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channels are known to be important Ca2+ entry pathways in multiple cell types. Here, we provide direct evidence supporting Ca2+ entry through TRPV4 channels in human TM cells and show that TRPV4 channels in TM cells can be activated by increased fluid flow/shear stress. TM-specific TRPV4 channel knockout in mice elevated IOP, supporting a crucial role for TRPV4 channels in IOP regulation. Pharmacological activation of TRPV4 channels in mouse eyes also improved AH outflow facility and lowered IOP. Importantly, TRPV4 channels activated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in TM cells, and loss of eNOS abrogated TRPV4-induced lowering of IOP. Remarkably, TRPV4-eNOS signaling was significantly more pronounced in TM cells compared to Schlemm’s canal cells. Furthermore, glaucomatous human TM cells show impaired activity of TRPV4 channels and disrupted TRPV4-eNOS signaling. Flow/shear stress activation of TRPV4 channels and subsequent NO release were also impaired in glaucomatous primary human TM cells. Together, our studies demonstrate a central role for TRPV4-eNOS signaling in IOP regulation. Our results also provide evidence that impaired TRPV4 channel activity in TM cells contributes to TM dysfunction and elevated IOP in glaucoma.
Increased body mass index predicts prolonged survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background Higher body mass index (BMI) may have a protective effect on survival in patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BMI on overall survival (OS) in veterans with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods A cohort of 702 patients diagnosed with HNSCC between 1995 and 2019 were identified at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and 342 patients were included for analysis. Records were queried for clinical-demographic data, BMI, and outcomes. Results HNSCC patients categorized as overweight or obese at time of diagnosis had a lower 3-year risk of death (p = 0.033) and improved OS (p Conclusions Higher BMI at diagnosis may have a protective effect on OS in veterans with HNSCC.
Phase Transformation and Densification Behavior of Microwave-Sintered Si3N4–Y2O3–MgO–ZrO2 System

A 2.45 GHz microwave-sintered Si 3 N 4 -Y 2 O 3 -MgO system containing various amounts of ZrO 2 secondary additives have been studied with respect to phase transformation and densification behavior. The temperature dependent dielectric properties were measured from 25°C to 1400°C using a conventional cavity perturbation technique. Phase transformation behavior was studied using X-ray diffractometry. Microwave sintered results were compared with those of conventional sintered results. It has been found that α to β phase transformation was completed at a lower temperature in microwave-sintered samples than those of the conventionally sintered samples. Density of the microwave-sintered samples increased up to 2.5 wt% of ZrO 2 addition and thereafter it showed a tendency to decrease or remain constant. The decrease in density is attributed to the pore generation caused by decomposition due to the localized over heating.
Do Racial Preferences Affect Minority Learning in Law Schools

An analysis of the The Bar Passage Study (BPS) reveals that minorities are both less likely to graduate from law school and less likely to pass the bar compared to whites even after adjustments are made for group differences in academic credentials. To account for these adjusted racial gaps in performance, some researchers put forward the “mismatch hypothesis,” which proposes that students learn less when placed in learning environments where their academic skills are much lower than the typical student. This article presents new results from the BPS that account for both measurement-error bias and selection-on-unobservables bias that makes it more difficult to find a mismatch effect if in fact one exists. I find much more evidence for mismatch effects than previous research and report magnitudes from mismatch effects more than sufficient to explain racial gaps in performance.
Cytological studies of the Chilomastix (protozoa, flagellata) of man and other mammals

Accounts of binary fission for two species of Chilomastix by Belar ('21) and Boeck and Tanable ('26) differ. Consequently, investigations were initiated to study the cytology and to determine the nature of binary filssion in Chilomastix mesnili of man, Chilomastix mesnili (?) of anthropoid apes and monkeys, and Chilomastix intestinalis of guinea pigs. The material used for the study included the following: four heavily infected human cases of Chilomastix mesnili, twenty-one infections of Chilomastix mesnili (?) from a survey of thirty-six anthropoid apes and monkeys at the Philadelphia Zoological Gardens, and Chilomastix intestinalis from six guinea pigs. The results of the investigations indicate that binary fission of the above three species of Chilomastix are similar in essential details. Encystment is described for the species from man and from anthropoid apes and monkeys. No evidence for mitosis within the cysts was obtained for C. mesnili of man. In C. mesnili (?) from primates other than man, the appearance of cyst nuclei resembling mitotic processes is explained as variations occurring in nuclei. Binucleate cysts are believed to be formed by the encystment of abnormal binucleate individuals which never had undergone plasmotomy after division of the nuclei.
Addressing school violence: Using the framework of group psychotherapy to explore the impact of the school development program on school violence

Abstract School violence is a major concern for schools in urban, rural, and suburban areas throughout the country. This paper views the occurrence of school violence as a complicated phenomenon involving the breakdown of the school community. The role of one school reform model, the School Development Program, in affecting violence through the overall school climate is examined. Group psychotherapy is used as a framework to understand how schools implementing the SDP change organizational and management structures to reduce problematic and potentially violent behaviors within a school community.
The Catalytic Tyr-9 of Glutathione S-Transferase A1-1 Controls the Dynamics of the C terminus

Abstract The glutathione S-transferase enzymes (GSTs) have a tyrosine or serine residue at their active site that hydrogen bonds to and stabilizes the thiolate anion of glutathione, GS−. The importance of this hydrogen bond is obvious, in light of the enhanced nucleophilicity of GS− versus the protonated thiol. Several A-class GSTs contain a C-terminal segment that undergoes a ligand-dependent local folding reaction. Here, we demonstrate the effects of the Y9F substitution on binding affinity for glutathione conjugates and on rates of the order-disorder transition of the C terminus in rat GST A1-1. The equilibrium binding affinity of the glutathione conjugate, GS-NBD (NBD-Cl, 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole), was decreased from 4.09 μm to 0.641 μm upon substitution of Tyr-9 with Phe. This result was supported by isothermal titration calorimetry, with K d values of 1.51 μm and 0.391 μm for wild type and Y9F, respectively. The increase in binding affinity for the mutant is associated with dramatic decreases in rates for the C-terminal order-disorder transition, based on a stopped-flow kinetic analysis. The same effects were observed, qualitatively, for a second GSH conjugate, GS-ethacrynic acid. Apparently, the phenolic hydroxyl group of Tyr-9 is critical for orchestrating C-terminal dynamics and efficient product release, in addition to its role in lowering the pK a of GSH.
Splenic uptake in bone imaging.

A 98-YEAR-OLD white male presented with a history of chronic congestive heart failure and acute compression fracture of the L-2 vertebral body. Three days following admission he developed a low grade fever and metabolic acidosis. Serum chemistry values including calcium and alkaline phosphatase, as well as hematologic indices were normal. Tc-99m oxidronate bone imaging was performed. A fan-shaped area of increased activity was identified in the left upper quadrant (Fig 1). A transverse linear focus of increased activity was seen in the lower sternum. Focal areas of increased uptake were also seen in the first metacarpal phalangeal joint of the right hand and the collecting system of the right kidney. Thin-layer chromatography demonstrated 98.5% Tc-99m pertechnetate binding to the oxidronate and no stomach or thyroid activity was seen in any other patients of that day. Therefore, the left upper quadrant uptake was thought to be located in the patient's spleen. Antero-posterior (AP) and lateral abdominal radiographs demonstrated serpigenous calcifications in the region of the splenic hilum and small curvilinear calcified flecks spreading throughout the splenic bed (Fig 2). The findings were consistent with splenic artery calcification. A compression fracture of the L-2 vertebral body was also identified. The patient died five days after the bone imaging. Gross and microscopic necropsy examination demonstrated a congested spleen without evidence of infarction, infiltration, or calcification in the splenic tissue. The patient had Grade I-II generalized atherosclerosis.
The effect of minimum drinking age laws on pregnancy, fertility, and alcohol consumption

Analysis of micro-level data reveals that changes in the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) could induce changes in the intensity and location of alcohol consumption, sexual behavior, and teen fertility. Effects on teen fertility vary across different populations. Among 15–20 year-old non-poor whites, less restrictive legal access to alcohol decreases the probability of first pregnancy and abortion. For this group, easier legal access to alcohol likely increases the alcohol consumption in bars. For black and poor white young women, the results are sensitive to the alcohol consumption restrictions measure. A decrease in the MLDA increases the probability of first pregnancy and abortion. Yet, using a more precise measure that accounts for the MLDA and the woman’s age, these results generally no longer hold.
Strain-dependent modification of behavior following antidepressant treatment

The effects of repeated antidepressant drug treatment on behavioral outcome in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, a putative animal model of depressive behavior, were compared to Wistar and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Rats were treated with desipramine (norepinephrine [NE] uptake blocker), nomifensine (NE and dopamine [DA] uptake blocker), paroxetine (serotonin [5-HT] uptake blocker) or saline, for 12 days. On Day 11, rats were tested in the Porsolt forced swim test (FST). On Day 12, rats were tested in the open field test (OFT). Stress reactivity was assessed on Day 13 when all rats were exposed to water-restraint ulcerogenic stress. Significant strain differences in behavioral responses to the drug treatments were observed. Control WKY rats showed the typical freezing behavior in the OFT and excessive floating behavior in the FST as compared to Wistar and SD rats. Desipramine and nomifensine decreased immobility and increased swim time in the FST in WKY rats. Nomifensine reduced response latency in the OFT in WKY rats and increased activity in the OFT in WKY and SD rats. None of the drugs altered the FST in SD rats. Following ulcerogenic stress, desipramine was the only antidepressant that decreased ulcer incidence in all rat strains compared to saline controls. These results suggest that the "depressive behavior" in WKY rats may be modified by antidepressants that alter synaptic levels of NE and/or DA, but not 5-HT.
Bounded solutions of weakly nonlinear differential equations in a Banach space

For a weakly nonlinear differential equation in a Banach space, we establish necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions bounded on the entire real axis under the assumption that the generating equation has bounded solutions and the corresponding homogeneous equation admits an exponential dichotomy on the semiaxes.
Impact of High Pyruvate Concentration on Kinetics of Rabbit Muscle Lactate Dehydrogenase

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of l-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from rabbit muscle as a regenerative catalyst of the biologically important cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), the kinetics over broad concentrations were studied to develop a suitable kinetic rate expression. Despite robust literature describing the intricate complexations, the mammalian rabbit muscle LDH lacks a quantitative kinetic rate expression accounting for simultaneous inhibition parameters, specifically at high pyruvate concentrations. Product inhibition by l-lactate was observed to reduce activity at concentrations greater than 25 mM, while expected substrate inhibition by pyruvate was significant above 4.3 mM concentration. The combined effect of ternary and binary complexes of pyruvate and the coenzymes led to experimental rates as little as a third of expected activity. The convenience of the statistical software package JMP allowed for effective determination of experimental kinetic constants and simplification to a suitable rate expression: $$ v = \frac{{{V_{max}}\left( {AB} \right)}}{{{K_{ia}}{K_b} + {K_b}A + {K_a}B + AB + \frac{P}{{{K_{I - Lac}}}} + \frac{{{B^2}A}}{{{K_{I - Pyr}}}} + \frac{{{B^2}Q}}{{{K_{I - Pyr - NAD}}}}}} $$ where the last three terms represent the inhibition complex terms for lactate, pyruvate, and pyruvate–NAD, respectively. The corresponding values of K I–Lac, K I–Pyr, and K I–Pyr–NAD for rabbit muscle LDH are 487.33 mM−1 and 29.91 mM and 97.47 mM at 22 °C and pH 7.8.
The elimination of HF from vibrationally excited fluoroethanes. The decomposition of 1,1,1‐trifluoroethane‐d0 and d3

The vibrationally excited molecules CF3CH and CF3CD have been synthesized by radical combination (produced by ketone photolysis), and HF and DF elimination from them studied as a function of temperature and pressure. Using RRK theory many calculations have recently been made of critical energies for the decomposition of "hot" fluoroethane molecules. Taking CF3CH as an example, it is concluded that the empiricism involved in such calculations renders results of doubtful significance. The non-equilibrium kinetic isotope effect is kH/kD = 3.1 at 470°K. Arrhenius parameters are also presented for radical abstraction reactions from the ketone source molecules.
Evolution of the primate visual system: Anterograde degeneration studies of the tecto‐pulvinar system

A partial answer to the question of the precocious development of the temporal lobe in fossil lemurs is offered by the presentation of evidence that in the tree shrew, in prosimians, and probably in all primates the temporal lobe contains primary visual cortex. The visual pathway to the temporal lobe is achieved by relays through the superficial layers of the superior colliculus and pulvinar nucleus. This pathway parallels the geniculo-striate system. Still a third visual system can be identified with sensory-motor connections in the deeper layers of the superior colliculus.
Is the Pomeron a Goldstone boson

A Reggeon field theory is proposed using as an input two exchange-degenerate mesonlike trajectories, each of them corresponding to a pair of conjugate poles. A Pomeron and a lower-lying Reggeon are generated by spontaneous symmetry breaking. Both the input and output trajectories have a $\sqrt{t}$ dependence and are complex for $tl0$, reflecting the conventional treatment of Regge-pole-cut collisions. The gauge symmetry of the model is briefly discussed, and the model is compared with earlier work.
Rank ideals and Capelli identities

Abstract We define and study a family of completely prime rank ideals in the universal enveloping algebra U ( gl n ) . A rank ideal is a noncommutative analogue of a determinantal ideal, the defining ideal for the closure of the set of n×n matrices of fixed rank. We introduce a notion of rank for gl n -modules and determine the rank of simple highest weight modules and of simple finite-dimensional modules. The main tools are Capelli-type identities and filtered algebra.
‘Unity, stability, continuity’: heritage and the renovation of Franco’s dictatorship in Spain, 1957–1969

Spain between 1957 and 1969 – the period in the history of the dictatorial regime of General Francisco Franco known as desarrollista (development‐guided) – presents a peculiar case of a state‐driven heritage industry. The present article examines the desarrollista policy aimed at creating and coordinating heritage tourism, focusing on periodical publications, official speeches, films and promotional materials. It looks at late‐Francoist heritage as a vehicle for achieving, simultaneously, an ideological and an economic effect. Economically, heritage was conceived as a tool for diversifying and individualising Spain’s tourism product in the Mediterranean market, and above all, for confronting the uneven territorial and seasonal distribution of ‘sun and beach tourism’. At the same time, ideologically, the models and uses of heritage examined here served the regime’s interest in securing the country’s territorial unity, maintaining the high profile of the Catholic Church, and re‐legitimising the Civil War (1...
Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene Rock Art from the Mongolian Altai: The Material and its Cultural Implications

Rock-pecked images from the northern Mongolian Altai attest to the presence of human communities within the high valleys of that region during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene. The material provides evidence that is hitherto largely missing from the archaeological record of that region. This paper reviews the rock art, its find sites and larger physical contexts and uses evidence from paleoenvironmental studies to propose dating and cultural significance. The material is compared with other sites said to have Paleolithic imagery from Mongolia and the adjoining Russian Altai. The body of presented material offers a major resource for the study of early hunter-gatherer communities at the interface of Central and North Asia.
Pulmonary prostaglandin metabolism during normobaric hyperoxia

Abstract Prostaglandin metabolism by rat lung tissue was measured following exposures of 6, 24 and 48 hours to either pure oxygen or air at one atmosphere. Tissue concentrations of PGE 1 , PGE 2 and PGF 2α were not altered by oxygen exposure. Prostaglandin synthetase activity decreased between 24 and 48 hours but was not significantly different from control at 48 hours. Combined prostaglandin dehydrogenase/reductase activity decreased between 24 and 48 hours to 13% of control values and was significantly lower than in air at 48 hours. The plasma concentration of 13, 14 dihydro-15-keto PGF 2α , a catabolite of PGF 2α , was significantly lower in oxygen-exposed rats at 24 and 48 hours. We conclude that endogenous pulmonary prostaglandin concentrations are maintained during hyperoxia but that catabolism of prostaglandins by the lungs may be impaired.
Housing and behavioural factors

The field of behavioural finance is well established. Studies of housing bubbles are less common than studies of equity overvaluation and studies of the behavioural aspects of real-estate pricing are rare. This article examines the housing market from 1987 to the present with particular attention to the 2003 to 2007 bubble. Both behavioural and traditional variables are considered. Models with behavioural variables are seen to provide a better fit during the housing bubble. A state-space model shows that the coefficients on those behavioural variables vary in ways consistent with the emergence and dissipation of the recent housing bubble.
Reumofan Induced Edema

We are presenting a first ever published report in the English literature in a patient presenting with adverse effects of an FDA-banned medicine, Reumofan, which has been marketed to treat rheumatism, joint pain, arthritis and neuralgia. It contains undisclosed traces of dexamethasone, diclofenac and methocarbamol. Some of these adverse effects include hypertension, adrenal insufficiency, gastrointestinal bleeding and sudden death. Our patient presented with progressively worsening edema affecting upper and lower extremities, abdominal wall and face. He was ruled out for venous thrombosis, and his cardiac catheterization and transthoracic echocardiogram exhibited no evidence of heart failure. His edema was successfully treated with diuresis during his hospitalization and on follow-up visit, he was found to be adrenally insufficient and hypotensive on discontinuation of Reumofan. This case illustrates the severe adverse effects that can occur as a result of Reumofan use in a patient using this medicine to treat debilitating joint pain and reinforces the importance of a thorough medication history. J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;4(3):78-80 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jem216w
B cells, E2A, and aging

Both mouse and human exhibit deficiencies in humoral immunity during 'old age'. While alterations in phenotype and function have been well documented, the molecular mechanisms that result in immune senescence remain undefined. B lymphopoiesis is suppressed in senescent mice, which may result from deficits at the pre-B-cell stage or earlier (e.g. pro-B cells). This deficit contrasts with the maintenance of the normal number of total peripheral B lymphocytes in senescent mice. However, mature peripheral B cells in aged mice can exhibit reduced efficiencies of both immunoglobulin isotype switching and somatic hypermutation. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor E2A is crucial at several stages of B-lymphocyte differentiation, including the development of pro-B and pre-B cells within the bone marrow and in isotype switch and somatic hypermutation among peripheral B cells. Therefore, we have focused on the regulation of E2A expression and function during both B lymphopoiesis and isotype class switching in senescent mice. These studies show that E2A expression is normally under complex control at both post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. Alterations in E2A expression at both the B-cell precursor and mature B-cell developmental stages are hypothesized to contribute to defects in humoral immunity during senescence.
THE LOCALIZATION OF NUCLEOSIDEPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SMALL BLOOD VESSELS.

In aldehydefixed rat tissues, the distribution of nucleoside phosphatase activity in three different types of capillaries is presented. In some unfenestrated vessels (lung) activity was localized to pinocytic vesicles of endothelial cells while in others (retina), the endothelium was unreactive. In the latter case activity was present in the basement membrane of the capillary and associated with the surface of glial cells. Fenestrated capillaries contain no enzymatic activity associated with their walls. These findings are discussed in relation to current concepts of transport across capillary walls.
Interesting Science and Mathematics Graduate Students in Secondary Teaching

State and national initiatives attempt to increase the quantity and quality of secondary mathematics and science teachers. Research suggests that if one could appeal to something inside of people or about the process of teaching and learning itself, then one might draw current mathematics and science graduate students into secondary teaching. This study placed eight mathematics and science graduate students in secondary schools for ten hours a week. Pre- and post-measures of their interest level in becoming secondary teachers were made. Overall, graduate students decreased in their desire to become secondary teachers. The main reasons were (1) fellows wanted to work with higher-level mathematics and science; (2) fellows felt students were not behaved and unmotivated; (3) fellows did not view being a teacher as a career, but only as a job; and (4) fellows felt school systems had to do too many things that fellows did not want to do.
CA125 decline in ovarian cancer patients treated with intravenous versus intraperitoneal platinum-based chemotherapy.

Abstract Objectives To compare the slope of CA125 decline in patients with optimally debulked epithelial ovarian cancer achieving a response to intravenous (IV) versus intraperitoneal (IP) platinum-based chemotherapy. The secondary objectives are to determine if the time to normal CA125 levels and time to nadir of CA125 differ between the groups. Methods Patients with primary stage III, optimally cytoreduced ovarian cancer were stratified as to whether platinum and taxane chemotherapy was administered entirely IV (IV group), or whether it was given IV and IP (IP group). Inclusion criteria included an elevated CA125 prior to surgery or first cycle chemotherapy and at least 1 month follow-up after completion of chemotherapy. All patients had a complete or partial response. In addition, IP patients had to have received at least 1 cycle of IP chemotherapy. Because of the large range of CA125 levels, raw CA125 values were natural log transformed and compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results 53 patients met inclusion criteria, 36 in the IV arm and 17 in the IP arm. The median number of chemotherapy cycles was 6 in both groups; the range was 5–9 in the IP arm and 6–10 in the IV arm. The median CA125 prior to surgery was 888 (range 45–5940) in the IP group and 1081 (range 58–19,440) in the IV group, p =0.55. After surgery but prior to chemotherapy, the median CA125 was 175.5 in the IP arm (range 10.8–4035) versus 233.5 (range 16.5–6890) in the IV arm, p =0.43. The median time to normalization of CA125 for the IP group was half the time of the IV group, 0.75 months (range 0 to 4.5) versus 1.5 months (range 0 to 6.25), p =0.15. The time to nadir was slightly faster in the IP arm as compared to the IV arm, 4.5 months (2–10.5) versus 6 months (2–14), p =0.13. The CA125 slopes were parallel, indicating that the CA125 levels declined at the same rate in both groups. However, the patients treated with IP chemotherapy had significantly lower CA125 levels over all the cycles, p =0.02. Conclusions Contrary to the assumption that IP chemotherapy elevates CA125 levels due to peritoneal irritation, these results show a trend towards faster time to CA125 normalization and nadir, and significantly lower CA125 levels during therapy for patients responding to IP chemotherapy compared with patients responding to IV therapy.
Growth characteristics of a highly virulent, a moderately virulent, and an avirulent strain of equine arteritis virus in primary equine endothelial cells are predictive of their virulence to horses.

Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is an endotheliotropic viral disease of horses caused by equine arteritis virus (EAV). Although there is only one serotype of EAV, there is marked variation in the virulence of different strains of the virus. The replication and cytopathogenicity of three well-characterized strains of EAV of different virulence to horses were compared in rabbit kidney (RK-13) and primary equine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (ECs). Viral protein expression, plaque size, and cytopathogenicity of all three viruses were similar in RK-13 cells, whereas two virulent strains of EAV were readily distinguished from an avirulent strain by their plaque morphology and cytopathogenicity in primary equine ECs. Furthermore, EAV nucleocapsid protein was detected by flow cytometric analysis significantly later in ECs infected with the avirulent than those infected with the virulent strains of EAV. Primary equine ECs provide a convenient and relevant model for in vitro characterization of the pathogenesis of EVA and the virulence determinants of EAV.
Feature Selection for Automatic Classification of Non-Gaussian Data

A computer-based technique for automatic selection of features for the classification of non-Gaussian data is presented. The selection technique exploits interactive cluster finding and a modified branch and bound optimization of piecewise linear classifiers. The technique first finds an efficient set of pairs of oppositely classified clusters to represent the data. Then a zero-one implicit enumeration implements a branch and bound search for a good subset of features. A test of the feature selection technique on multidimensional synthetic and real data yielded close-to-optimum, and in many cases optimum, subsets of features. The real data consisted of a) 1284 12-dimensional feature vectors representing normal and abnormal breast tissue, extracted from X-ray mammograms, and b) 1060 30-dimensional feature vectors representing tanks and clutter in infrared video images.
The λ phage att site: functional limits and interaction with Int protein

Site-specific integrative recombination of bacteriophage λ involves unequal partners. The minimal phage att site is composed of approximately 240-base pairs and four distinct binding sites for Int protein, at least three of which are crucial for function. This ‘donor site’ recombines efficiently with a smalle ‘recipient site’ that lacks the extensive interactions with Int protein.
Tests of SU(3) in particle reactions

Abstract It is shown that SU(3) symmetry is well satisfied in hadron and photoproduction reactions provided that both phase-space and angular momentum barrier effects are introduced in the corrections made to take account of mass differences. Thus observed deviations from SU(3) symmetry are satisfactorily accounted for by the kinematic consequences of mass differences without the necessity of postulating additional dynamical corrections. Near the forward direction, these kinematic effects are substantial even at energies above 10 GeV.
Colloidal quantum dots for mid-IR applications

The use of colloidal material offers an interesting alternative to top down approaches for the realization of low cost infrared detectors. We demonstrate photoconduction in thin films of a colloidal material in the mid-infrared (up to 7 μm), using HgTe colloidal quantum dots. Thin films of the colloidal quantum dots have a large absorption coefficient (>104 cm−1), and the photoconductive response is dramatically improved by encapsulating the nanoparticle into an inorganic matrix of As2S3. Such devices show fast response and large detectivity (>1010 jones) at temperatures above 200 K.
Gender Differences in Mental Health Problems and Violence Among Chicago Youth

The role of gender is critical when examining how mental health problems affect delinquency over the life course. This study explores gender and developmental pathways to violence for youth participating in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN). Girls having oppositional defiant problems (ODP) were significantly more likely to self-report violence from late childhood through early adolescence; however, only depressive problems mattered for girls during late adolescence. For boys, antisocial personality problems during late adolescence affected violence. Moderating effects of gender were limited to early and late adolescence. Implications regarding gendered solutions when developing strategies targeting youth violence are discussed.
Runtime workload behavior prediction using statistical metric modeling with application to dynamic power management

Adaptive computing systems rely on accurate predictions of workload behavior to understand and respond to the dynamically-varying application characteristics. In this study, we propose a Statistical Metric Model (SMM) that is system-and metric-independent for predicting workload behavior. SMM is a probability distribution over workload patterns and it attempts to model how frequently a specific behavior occurs. Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) criterion is used to estimate the parameters of the SMM. The model parameters are further refined with a smoothing method to improve prediction robustness. The SMM learns the application patterns during runtime as applications run, and at the same time predicts the upcoming program phases based on what it has learned so far. An extensive and rigorous series of prediction experiments demonstrates the superior performance of the SMM predictor over existing predictors on a wide range of benchmarks. For some of the benchmarks, SMM improves prediction accuracy by 10X and 3X, compared to the existing last-value and table-based prediction approaches respectively. SMM's improved prediction accuracy results in superior power-performance trade-offs when it is applied to dynamic power management.
Quadriceps activation following aerobic exercise in persons with low back pain and healthy controls

Abstract Background A relationship between the muscles that stabilize the lumbar spine and the lower extremity exists that may result in neuromuscular and biomechanical changes during prolonged aerobic exercise in those with low back pain. Methods Twenty recreationally active adults with healthy lower extremity joints, 7 with recurring episodes of low back pain performed a standard 15-minute aerobic exercise protocol on a treadmill. Quadriceps torque during a maximal isometric voluntary contraction, quadriceps central activation ratio and superimposed burst torque as measured with the superimposed burst technique, and vastus lateralis median frequency were recorded before and after treadmill exercise. A burst of electrical stimuli was superimposed during maximal knee extension causing a transient increase in torque. Quadriceps central activation was calculated as the ratio between maximal volitional and superimposed burst torques. We recorded vastus lateralis surface Electromyography (EMG) during knee extension contractions and calculated the median frequency. Findings We observed a 12.4% reduction in the quadriceps central activation ratio after aerobic exercise in participants with recurrent low back pain; healthy controls only experienced a 1.7% reduction. There was no change in quadriceps median frequency following aerobic exercise. Interpretation Deteriorated quadriceps function following aerobic exercise was observed in patients with recurrent episodes of low back pain who had healthy knee joints. This reduction is mediated by a central process that may arise from poor strength and endurance in the muscles surrounding the spine, which is common in persons with recurrent low back pain.
Carbohydrate metabolism in the striped shore crab, Pachygrapsus crassipes—I. The glycolytic enzymes of gill, hepatopancreas, heart and leg muscles

Abstract 1. 1. Optimum specific activities and maximal catalytic capacities for twelve of the enzymes of the glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathways were measured in gill, hepatopancreas and muscle tissue extracts from Pachygrapsus crassipes. 2. 2. Oxygen consumption studies with gill and hepatopancreas, utilizing both intact and homogenized preparations, showed no significant difference between these tissues. 3. 3. Results are discussed and compared to available crustacean data, as well as to data from vertebrate tissue studies. 4. 4. Possible mechanisms for the control of glycolysis in crustacean tissues are discussed.
On mass relations and renormalization effects in grand unified theories

Abstract A discussion is made in the context of the SO(10) unified theory of weak, electromagnetic and strong interactions on possible mass relations and renormalization effects and some predictions are presented concerning the mass of the t-quark, an upper limit of the υτ-mass and the Cabibbo-like angles.
t(8;21)(q22;q22) fusion proteins preferentially bind to duplicated AML1/RUNX1 DNA-binding sequences to differentially regulate gene expression

Chromosome abnormalities are frequently associated with cancer development. The 8;21(q22;q22) chromosomal translocation is one of the most common chromosome abnormalities identified in leukemia. It generates fusion proteins between AML1 and ETO. Since AML1 is a well-defined DNA-binding protein, AML1-ETO fusion proteins have been recognized as DNA-binding proteins interacting with the same consensus DNA-binding site as AML1. The alteration of AML1 target gene expression due to the presence of AML1-ETO is related to the development of leukemia. Here, using a 25-bp random double-stranded oligonucleotide library and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based DNA-binding site screen, we show that compared with native AML1, AML1-ETO fusion proteins preferentially bind to DNA sequences with duplicated AML1 consensus sites. This finding is further confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo DNA-protein interaction assays. These results suggest that AML1-ETO fusion proteins have a selective preference for certain AML1 target genes that contain multimerized AML1 consensus sites in their regulatory elements. Such selected regulation provides an important molecular mechanism for the dysregulation of gene expression during cancer development.