cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dr. Constantin Cope Medical Student Research Award Alginate microspheres with magnetically triggered gemcitabine release

Purpose Alginate microspheres could serve as an ideal drug delivery platform for selective transcatheter administration of gemcitabine to pancreatic tumors. This study aimed to modify gemcitabine release with ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) clusters. We tested the hypothesis that USPIOs will adsorb drug and slow drug release. Further, we hypothesized that drug release can be accelerated by magnetic induction heating. Lastly, we investigated the CT and MR imaging properties of these microspheres loaded with USPIOs and barium salts. Materials and Methods Alginate microspheres were synthesized by gelation of alginate, calcium salts, USPIOs, and hydroxypropyl cellulose using microfluidic channels. USPIOs were prepared by chemical reduction of iron (III) chloride. Gemcitabine was added by diffusion in drug solution. Drug release studies were performed in triplicate by dialyzing microspheres and quantifying drug release via absorption spectroscopy. Heat triggered drug release studies were performed with an Ambrell EasyHeat producing oscillating magnetic fields (1.85 kW, 200 kHz). Imaging of microspheres was performed with Bruker 7T MRI and Somatom Sensation Cardiac 64 CT. Results At physiological conditions, the presence of USPIOs in alginate microspheres slowed the rate of drug release by an average of 25% compared with drug release from microspheres without USPIOs. Magnetic induction heating accelerated drug release by an average of 18% compared with control. Microspheres were imaged with CT and MRI demonstrating image contrast well correlated with barium and USPIO content. Conclusion USPIOs can slow the rate of gemcitabine release and induction heating can trigger an acceleration of drug release from these USPIO containing alginate microspheres. These microspheres provide image contrast for visualization with both CT and MRI modalities. Future animal model studies will evaluate the efficacy of these microspheres for selective transcatheter delivery of gemcitabine to pancreatic tumors.
The social embeddedness of transactions: Evidence from the residential real-estate industry

Information and communications technologies (ICT) are becoming pervasive in the residential real-estate industry and their usage is affecting the work lives of real-estate agents. Drawing on data from a regional study of the residential real-estate industry in the United States, we focus on the disintermediation or, more accurately, the reintermediation of real-estate agents in the sales process. Using data collected from interviews, direct observation, and archival records, we examine how real-estate agents are (1) taking advantage of new ICT in their work, and (2) protecting themselves from others wishing to displace their position in the real-estate value chain. Our analysis of this activity draws on two contrasting theoretical perspectives to illuminate the roles of residential real-estate agents: transaction cost and social capital. The results of this study provide insights into the ways in which ICT are used to build and draw on the social relationships that underpin the actual transactions, to hel...
Oral-aboral axis specification in the sea urchin embryo II. Mitochondrial distribution and redox state contribute to establishing polarity in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus.

The initial asymmetry that specifies the oral–aboral (OA) axis of the sea urchin embryo has long been a mystery. It was shown previously that OA polarity can be entrained in embryos by imposing a respiratory asymmetry, with the most oxidizing side of the embryo tending to develop as the oral pole. This suggests that one of the earliest observable asymmetries along the incipient OA axis, a redox gradient established by a higher density and/or activity of mitochondria on the prospective oral side of the embryo, might play a causal role in establishing the axis. Here, we examine the origin and functional significance of this early redox gradient. Using MitoTracker Green, we show that mitochondria are asymmetrically distributed in the unfertilized egg of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and that the polarity of the maternal asymmetry is maintained in the zygote. Vital staining indicates that the side of the embryo that inherits the highest density of mitochondria tends to develop into the oral pole. This correlation holds when mitochondria are redistributed by centrifugation of eggs or by transfer of purified mitochondria into zygotes, indicating that an asymmetric mitochondrial distribution can entrain OA polarity, possibly through effects on intracellular redox state. In support of this possibility, we find that specification of oral ectoderm is suppressed when embryos are cultured under hypoxic conditions that enforce a relatively reducing redox state. This effect is reversed by overexpression of nodal, an early zygotic marker of oral specification whose localized expression suffices to organize the entire OA axis, indicating that redox state is upstream of nodal expression. We therefore propose that a threshold level of intracellular oxidation is required to effectively activate nodal, and that precocious attainment of this threshold within the blastomeres containing the highest density of mitochondria results in asymmetric nodal activity and consequent specification of the OA axis.
Effect of transcription peptide inhibitors on HIV-1 replication.

Abstract HIV-1 manipulates cellular machineries such as cyclin dependent kinases (cdks) and their cyclin elements, to stimulate virus production and maintain latent infection. Specifically, the HIV-1 viral protein Tat increases viral transcription by binding to the TAR promoter element. This binding event is mediated by the phosphorylation of Pol II by complexes such as cdk9/Cyclin T and cdk2/Cyclin E. Recent studies have shown that a Tat 41/44 peptide derivative prevents the loading of cdk2 onto the HIV-1 promoter, inhibiting gene expression and replication. Here we show that Tat peptide analogs computationally designed to dock at the cyclin binding site of cdk2 have the ability to bind to cdk2 and inhibit the association of cdk2 with the HIV promoter. Specifically, the peptide LAALS dissociated the complex and decreased kinase activity in vitro . We also describe our novel small animal model which utilizes humanized Rag2 −/− γ c −/− mice. This small peptide inhibitor induces a decrease in HIV-1 viral transcription in vitro and minimizes viral loads in vivo .
Resonant Light Scattering by Single-Particle Electronic Excitations in n-GaAs

Resonant light scattering by single-particle excitations was observed in $n\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{GaAs}$ with incident photon energies near the ${E}_{0}+{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{0}$ optical energy gap. We find that under extreme resonance conditions the spectra have two components with the scattered light polarization perpendicular and parallel to the incident light. These results are interpreted in terms of a random-phase-approximation theory.
Endotoxin Levels at Swine Farms Using Different Waste Treatment and Management Technologies

Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are a major source of airborne endotoxins, which are air pollutants that can cause adverse health effects to both on-site farmers and neighbors. Relea...
Detonative ignition induced by shock merging

Understanding of the transition to detonation in a gaseous medium has been significantly enhanced as a result of the penetrating insight attained by the use of stroboscopic laserschlieren photography. Among the various modes by which the transition can occur, that were observed by means of this technique, the detonative ignition induced by the process of merging of shock waves which propagate ahead of the accelerating flame lends itself most readily to quantitative analysis. The paper demonstrates that, under such circumstances, in a hydrogen-oxygen mixture (4 H 2 +3 O 2 initially at 0.1 atm and 300°K) the transition is produced by a chemico-kinetic branched-chain explosion.
Shape-from-silhouette approach to imaging ocean mines

The application of shape-from-silhouette methods for 3D imaging of underwater objects is explored in this paper. While there is a significant body of literature on the shape-from-silhouette technique, the reconstruction of an underwater object form a sequence of 2D lidar images present additional difficulties in both the creation and processing of silhouettes from the data, as the water optics and scattering can severely distort the silhouettes. In a recent data collection experiment, a lidar system was used to take images to create silhouettes sufficiently clear to support image reconstruction. Several 3D images were formed by applying the shape-from-silhouette technique to the 2D lidar silhouettes. With the in-air data serving as a benchmark, the 3D images of the underwater object suggest the potential for this approach.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in normal and malignant B cell development

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor historically studied for its role in environmental chemical-mediated toxicity and carcinogenicity. In the last 5 years, however, it has become clear that the AhR, presumably activated by endogenous ligand(s), plays an important role in immune system development and function. Other articles in this edition summarize AhR function during T cell and antigen-presenting cell development and function, including the effects of AhR activation on dendritic cell function, T cell skewing, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. Here, we focus on AhR expression and function during B cell differentiation. Studies exploiting immunosuppressive environmental chemicals to probe the role of the AhR in humoral immunity are also reviewed to illustrate the multiple levels at which a “nominally activated” AhR could control B cell differentiation from the hematopoietic stem cell through the pro-B cell, mature B cell, and antibody-secreting plasma cell stages. Finally, a putative role for the AhR in the basic biology of B cell malignancies, many of which have been associated with exposure to environmental AhR ligands, is discussed.
LONGTERM INFECTION OF CULTURED HAMSTER DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA WITH HALLÉ SSPE VIRUS

Longterm infection of cultured hamster dorsal root ganglia with Halle SSPE virus The morphogenesis of Halle SSPE virus in cultures of hamster dorsal root ganglia (DRG) over a period of 60 days was followed by light and electron microscopy and by immunoperoxidase techniques. The Halle virus was originally isolated from the lymph node of a patient with SSPE, and had been passaged only in non-neural cell lines. In organotypic cultures of hamster DRG, all cells except the neurons became infected. Large intracytoplasmic and intranuclear inclusions were commonly found in fibroblasts, but never in Schwann cells. The latter cells rounded up and were lost from the culture by 20 days post-infection (PI). Cell-free virus was detected by 7 days PI, reached a maximum at 30–40 days PI, and even at 60 days PI, substantial amounts of virus were still recorded. Budding virus particles were seen throughout the course of the infection. The formation of syncytia was rare. The present results are compared with previous data on the growth of measles virus in hamster DRG, and the growth of measles and SSPE viruses in cultures of hamster cerebellum. It was concluded that among the available strains of SSPE and measles virus, the Halle strain is unique in its failure to infect nerve cells.
Montelukast reduces peripheral blood eosinophilia but not tissue eosinophilia or symptoms in a patient with eosinophilic gastroenteritis and esophageal stricture.

Background Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG) is an uncommon entity of which the pathogenesis is unclear. As no controlled treatment trials exist, treatment of EG remains largely empiric. Limited results have been achieved with oral cromolyn, ketotifen, and other antihistamines. Oral corticosteroids are effective, but long-term use is complicated by side effects including growth retardation, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Objectives We sought to determine whether treatment with montelukast would improve symptoms and decrease both peripheral blood and tissue eosinophilia (TE) in a patients with steroid-dependent EG for 20 years complicated by esophageal stricture. Methods In an unblinded, n = 1 trial, we treated the patient for 5 months with montelukast (20 to 30 mg daily) while his baseline dose of prednisone (10 mg daily) was continued. Complete blood counts and symptoms were monitored weekly. Esophageal biopsies were obtained before and after 5 months of therapy with montelukast. After the posttreatment biopsy was obtained, montelukast was discontinued. Outcome measures included patient symptoms and peripheral and tissue eosinophil counts. Results During treatment with montelukast, the mean peripheral blood eosinophil count fell from 5,064 cells/μL (average 28 determinations over 20 years; range 1,408 to 12,500 cells/μL) to 1,195 cells/μL (average 14 determinations over 16 weeks; range 556 to 2,193 cells/μL), a 76% reduction. The corresponding TE as calculated from esophageal biopsies was 31 eosinophils/high power field before and 70 eosinophils/high power field after treatment. The patient noted no appreciable improvement in esophageal symptoms. Conclusions Montelukast dramatically reduced peripheral blood eosinophilia, but did not affect TE or symptoms in this patient with severe, long-standing EG complicated by esophageal stricture.
Alteration of Platelet-Activating Factor-Induced Signal Transduction in Macrophages by n-3 Fatty Acids

Diets rich in polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids can alter various macrophage functions. One possible mechanism by which this occurs is through modulation of the physicochemical properties of the cell membrane and the signal transduction pathways associated with macrophage activation. In this study, we investigated how n-3 fatty acids altered the signaling pathway of the lipid-based mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF). Macrophages from mice fed a diet containing n-3 fatty acids showed a greater increase in PAF-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization than macrophages from mice fed an n-6 fatty acid-rich diet. Macrophages treated in vitro with the n-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic also showed higher intracellular Ca2+ mobilization than untreated or n-6 fatty acid-treated macrophages. Scatchard analysis of PAF binding showed the presence of one type of PAF receptor; their number and affinities were not altered by dietary fat. Mastoparan, which can activate G-protein-linked phosphoinositide (PI)-signaling pathway through the activation of G proteins, stimulated a higher Ca2+ mobilization in macrophages from mice fed n-3 compared to n-6 fatty acids. In addition, the response of macrophages from n-3-fed mice to PAF was less sensitive to phospholipase C inhibition than that of macrophages from those fed n-6 diets. The activity of phospholipase C in macrophages from mice fed n-3 diets was significantly higher than that of macrophages from mice fed diets containing n-6 fatty acids. Collectively, these results showed that n-3 fatty acids can enhance the PAF-signaling pathway in macrophages by increasing the activation potential of phospholipase C, without affecting PAF receptor number and affinity.
The EM structure of the TRAPPIII complex leads to the identification of a requirement for COPII vesicles on the macroautophagy pathway

The transport protein particle (TRAPP) III complex, comprising the TRAPPI complex and additional subunit Trs85, is an autophagy-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the Rab GTPase Ypt1 that is recruited to the phagophore assembly site when macroautophagy is induced. We present the single-particle electron microscopy structure of TRAPPIII, which reveals that the dome-shaped Trs85 subunit associates primarily with the Trs20 subunit of TRAPPI. We further demonstrate that TRAPPIII binds the coat protein complex (COP) II coat subunit Sec23. The COPII coat facilitates the budding and targeting of ER-derived vesicles with their acceptor compartment. We provide evidence that COPII-coated vesicles and the ER-Golgi fusion machinery are needed for macroautophagy. Our results imply that TRAPPIII binds to COPII vesicles at the phagophore assembly site and that COPII vesicles may provide one of the membrane sources used in autophagosome formation. These events are conserved in yeast to mammals.
Elastic Constants of Magnesium from 4.2°K to 300°K

The adiabatic elastic constants of magnesium single crystals have been measured by an ultrasonic pulse technique. The values at 298\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are in good agreement with the recent values of Long and Smith. The values extrapolated to 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K are ${c}_{11}=0.635$, ${c}_{33}=0.664$, ${c}_{44}=0.1842$, ${c}_{12}=0.259$, ${c}_{13}=0.217$ in units of ${10}^{12}$ dynes/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. A Debye characteristic temperature, $\ensuremath{\theta}$, of 388\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K has been calculated at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K by averaging the inverse cube of the longitudinal and transverse elastic wave velocities over all directions of propagation. Atomic force constants for a central-force model with an electron gas term are also obtained.
The molecular complexity of mu and pi symbiont DNA of Paramecium aurelia.

Abstract The molecular size of mu and pi symbionts of Parameciumaurelia has been calculated from renaturation kinetic data. Observed values were 0.78 × 109 daltons for mu particle DNA and 0.81 × 109 daltons for pi particle DNA. Estimates of analytical complexity were 4.45 × 109 and 5.05 × 109 daltons respectively. Based on these data, mu and pi symbionts appear to possess multiple genomes and contain a minimum of 5 or 6 copies of each DNA sequence.
A Failure/Fault Diagnoser Model for Autonomous Agents under Presence of Disturbances

In this paper, we provide our preliminary results on failure/fault analysis for an autonomous agent whose behavior is influenced by disturbances from its environment. It is assumed that failures are unobservable and only detected through some observable symptoms. Furthermore, faults may be observable directly, but the conditions leading to them are unknown a priori. Both the agent and its environment may contribute to any given failure or fault. The main results of this paper relate to the development of a diagnoser model which is built by a parallel composition of Petri net models of the underlying components. This model includes both the normative and disruptive behavior of the agent and its perception of the environment. The uncontrollability of the environment leads to a non-deterministic diagnosis behavior. The likelihood of each possible state of the agent's diagnoser is updated every time that a new controllable action is taken or new sensory information is received. At each updating, if the likelihood of a failure or fault state is higher than a specified threshold, then an alarm is raised indicating a disruptive event.
A phase diagram approach to determine the composition of vapor from a microemulsion base

The tangents to the evaporation path curves in the W/O microemulsion base of water, (W), pentanol, (P), and sodium dodecyl sulfate, (S), were extended to the W/P axis to establish the relative composition, (WV, PV), of the vapor leaving the liquid. The composition of the vapor, with which the microemulsion is in contact includes also the contribution from the relative humidity of the surrounding atmosphere. The difference between the composition of these gases is clarified using the algebraic expressions from the phase diagram, but the quantitative composition of the equilibrium vapor is not available without further numerical information. The limits of the vapor for evaporation direction under different relative humidities were clarified.
Chiral Amido Aluminum and Zinc Alkyls: A Synthetic, Structural, and Polymerization Study

Reactions of racemic (±)-trans-1,2-(NHSiMe3)2-cyclohexane ((±)-trans-1,2-Cy(NHSiMe3)2) with 2 equiv of AlMe3, 2 equiv of ZnEt2, and 1 equiv of ZnEt2 produce the dinuclear aluminum complex {(±)-trans-Cy(NSiMe3)2}Al2Me4 (1) in 88% yield, the tetranuclear zinc complex {(±)-trans-Cy(NSiMe3)2}2Zn4Et4 (2) in 87% yield, and the dinuclear zinc complex {(±)-trans-Cy(NHSiMe3)(NSiMe3)}2Zn2Et2 (3) in 77% yield, respectively. Complex 1 features a puckered four-membered Al2N2 ring exhibiting a smaller N−Al−N angle (77.6(1)°) than any other dimeric alkyl aluminum amide reported. Complex 2 consists of four three-coordinate, planar zinc centers, two of which are symmetrically bonded to two amide groups via intramolecular Zn−N coordination, whereas the other two are nearly symmetrically bonded to two amide groups through intermolecular Zn−N coordination. In complex 3, there are a center of symmetry and a planar four-membered Zn2N2 core. The zinc alkyls 2 and 3 are effective initiators for polymerization of e-caprolactone a...
DFT Prediction of Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Palladium–Copper Alloy Surfaces

The high cost of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) comes largely from the use of platinum-containing electrocatalysts. Despite significant progress made the past decade on reducing the platinum catalyst loading in the PEMFC electrodes, further substantial cost reductions require the replacement of platinum with less expensive nonplatinum electrocatalytic materials. In this study, PdCu alloys have computationally been investigated as possible non-Pt catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in PEMFCs. We used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to determine the structural preference and ORR activity as a function of the composition and structure. Five PdCu alloy surface structures, B2, L1_2, L1_0, L1_1-nonlayered, and L1_1-layered, were considered, and the layered L1_1 surface structure was found to exhibit significantly improved ORR kinetics compared to that of pure Pd.
Proteins main-chain atomic displacements and density of stabilizing interactions

The assumption that interactions like hydrogen bonds, that establish the secondary structure of proteins, modulate the local flexibility of the polypeptide chain suggests a phenomenological relation between σ2-the X-ray determined variance of the thermally-distributed location of a main-chain atom and the value of ϱ — a properly-defined linear density of “stabilizing interactions” at that location. The functional relation σ2 α 1/ϱ is verified from the data of lysozyme. ϱ is constructed from first principles after assuming that the thermal motions of an unstabilized polypeptide chain resemble those of a random chain. Taking the locations and the identity of the stabilizing interactions from literature, the predicted 1/g9 for lysozyme and metmyoglobin is compared with the observed σ2 along the proteins main-chain. The satisfactory results are discussed in the light of the possible role that hydrogen bonding plays in determining the equilibrium and the dynamic properties of the main-chain structural fluctuations in proteins, and its modelling by using a simplified mechanistic approach.
Relationship between change in height and changes in serum lipid and lipoprotein levels in adolescent males: The Bogalusa Heart Study☆

Abstract The relationship between increase in height and changes in levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins in adolescent males were examined through a biracial sample of 397 individuals, ages 8–12 years, who were reexamined 5 years after the initial screening. Significant negative correlations were observed between height change and changes in levels of serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholelsterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) after controlling for age, initial cholesterol level, height, weight, Tanner stage, and changes in Tanner stage and weight. There was significant inverse association between height change and change in the level of HDL-C in black males, while there was significant inverse association between height change and change in the level of LDL-C in white males. These associations were independent of age, sexual maturation, and weight. Thus, changes in levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins in males during adolescence are partly associated with the growth spurt in height.
A Practical Approach to the Multiobjective Synthesis and Optimizing Control of Resilient Heat Exchanger Networks

This paper presents a practical approach to the systematic synthesis of thermoeconomically optimum, resilient heat exchanger networks and their optimizing control configurations subjected to multiple objective criteria and variations in stream inlet conditions. These networks are able to maintain the specified stream outlet temperatures both with and without changes in stream flow rates and inlet temperatures. They also approach a maximum thermodynamic efficiency for heat exchange, have the least number of exchangers, heaters and coolers, and minimize both the network investment and utility operating cost. The proposed control configurations are relatively simple, requiring only inexpensive stream bypass lines around exchangers and manipulable flow rates to heaters and coolers.
Katalyse. XIII. — Temperaturkoeffizienten katalysierter und nicht katalysierter Reaktionen

(a) Die Reaktion H2C2O4 + KMnO4 + MnSO4 + H2SO4 hat den Temperaturkoeffizienten 2,96 zwischen 10° und 20°; also praktisch denselben Wert wie die Reaktion H2Cr2O7 + H2C2O4 + MnSO2 + H2SO4 Es sind Versuche gemacht worden, den Mechanismus dieser beiden Reaktionen zu erklaren.
Marfan's syndrome.

Abstract The case is presented of a 46-year-old Negro woman with the classic features of Marfan's syndrome: spider fingers, ectopia lentis, aneurysms of the sinuses of Valsalva, dilatation of the aortic ring, and aortic regurgitation. The occurrence of medial degeneration of the great vessels is now recognized to be the most important aspect of the syndrome, since it tends to cause aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta, aortic regurgitation and/or fatal dissecting aneurysm. These cardiovascular complications may occur in individuals in whom other features of the syndrome are absent or inconspicuous. The presence of more typical anomalies in other members of their family may, however, provide the clue to a correct diagnosis.
In Situ Quartz Crystal Microgravimetric Studies of Molecular Adsorbates Containing Thiol and Hydroquinone Moieties Bound to Au(111) Surfaces in Aqueous Electrolytes

The microgravimetric properties of monolayers of 2, 5-dihydroxythiophenol, 2,5-dihydroxybenzyl mercaptan, and 2, 5-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzyl mercaptan adsorbed on Au(111) single crystal electrodes were examined by in situ quartz crystal microbalance techniques in aqueous perchloric acid electrolytes. The results obtained are consistent with the reversible loss of an average of about three waters per adsorbed molecule as the layers are oxidized and subsequently reduced. These observations provide evidence for discrete changes in the extent of bound water within the hydroquinone/quinone layer as the oxidation state of the monolayer is changed. 9 refs., 4 figs.
Trends in common rhinologic illnesses: analysis of U.S. healthcare surveys 1995-2007.

Background Up to date information on the epidemiology of, and recent changes in, allergic rhinitis (AR), acute sinusitis (AS), and chronic sinusitis (CS) office and emergency department (ED) visits and prevalence is sparse. Current studies may quote data that is outdated or based solely on patient self-report. The purpose of this work was to describe basic epidemiologic measures of office and ED visits for AR, AS, and CS between 1995 and 2007, and to analyze trends over time for each of these diseases. Methods Survey data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) were examined from 1995 to 2007 for AR, AS, and CS by International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition (ICD-9) code, using the STATA statistical package survey-specific commands to obtain appropriate estimates. Subgroup analyses were performed for age, sex (male and female), race (white and black), and region. Logistic regression was used in order to investigate the predictors mentioned above in a multivariate model, and to analyze trends over time. Results For AR, there has been an increase in visits in both the office and ED settings between 1995 and 2007. For CS, there has been a decrease in the proportion of both office and ED visits over this time period, as well as in the visit rate. For CS office visits, there has been an increase in the total number of visits. For AS, descriptive data show an increase in both the total number and proportion of office visits, but logistic regression did not validate these findings. There has been a decrease in ED visits for AS. Age, sex, race, and region have differing effects on each these diseases, and these factors appear to be setting-dependent as well. Conclusion While regression did not show statistically significant changes for AS, the odds ratio along with the number and proportion of visits suggests that an increase for AS at a similar rate of AR is possible, lending support to a relationship between these disease processes. The relatively small increase in the prevalence of AR in the United States when compared with the worldwide increase in developing countries suggests that the hygiene theory and environmental factors play a leading role in the development of AR. The relative decrease in the prevalence of CS may be the result of successful medical therapy with the increased use of nasal steroids and nasal saline irrigation. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
DNA-labeled clay: A sensitive new method for tracing particle transport

The behavior of mobile colloids and sediment in most natural environments remains poorly understood, in part because characteristics of existing sediment tracers limit their widespread use. Here we describe the development of a new approach that uses a DNA-labeled montmorillonite clay as a highly sensitive and selective sediment tracer that can potentially characterize sediment and colloid transport in a wide variety of environments, including marine, wetland, ground-water, and atmospheric systems. Characteristics of DNA in natural systems render it unsuitable as an aqueous tracer but admirably suited as a label for tracing particulates. The DNA-labeled-clay approach, using techniques developed from molecular biology, has extremely low detection limits, very specific detection, and a virtually infinite number of tracer signatures. Furthermore, DNA-labeled clay has the same physical characteristics as the particles it is designed to trace, it is environmentally benign, and it can be relatively inexpensively produced and detected. Our initial results show that short (500 base pair) strands of synthetically produced DNA reversibly adsorb to both Na-montmorillonite and powdered silica surfaces via a magnesium bridge. The DNA-montmorillonite surface complexes are stable in calciumbicarbonate spring waters for periods of up to 18 days and only slowly desorb to the aqueous phase, whereas the silica surface complex is stable only in distilled water. Both materials readily release the adsorbed DNA in dilute EDTA solutions for amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantification. The stability of the DNA-labeled clay complex suggests that this material would be appropriate for use as an extremely sensitive sediment tracer for flow periods of as long as 2 weeks, and possibly longer.
Abstract 2577: Blocking Janus activated kinase-2 activation by DIM suppresses ovarian tumor growthin vitroandin vivo

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of gynecological deaths in the United States and several other countries. Genetic alterations including overexpression of EGFR and STAT-3 play a crucial role in the signal transduction pathways that regulate key cellular functions such as cell survival, proliferation, metastases etc. Several epidemiological studies suggested a decreased risk of ovarian cancer in the population consuming Brassica vegetables. 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) is an indole compound present in Brassica vegetables. In our previous studies, we have demonstrated that DIM induces apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting the activation STAT-3. However, the exact mechanism of STAT-3 regulation by DIM was not clear. Accumulating evidences suggest that Janus Activated Kinases (JAK's) play a crucial role in regulating STAT-3. Our current results show that DIM inhibits the activation of JAK-2 by blocking its phosphorylation at Tyr-1007/1008 in a concentration-dependent manner in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells. Inhibition of JAK-2 phosphorylation by DIM was as early as one hour after DIM treatment. The expression of survivin was significantly reduced by DIM. IL-3 is a cytokine that specifically activates JAK-2. Treatment of SKOV-3 or OVCAR-3 cells with 10ng/ml IL-3 for 15min not only increased the activation of JAK-2 and STAT-3, but also induced the expression of STAT-3. DIM treatment almost completely blocked IL-3 induced phosphorylation of JAK-2 and STAT-3 in SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 cells. Several studies have shown that JAK's are regulated by EGFR, hence to test this, cells were stimulated with EGF, a specific ligand of EGFR. As expected, EGF treatment increased the activation of JAK-2 and STAT-3 in SKOV-3 cells. Nonetheless, DIM treatment blocked the phosphorylation of JAK-2 and STAT-3 induced by EGF. Furthermore, our in vivo studies demonstrated that oral administration of 3 mg DIM for 40 days significantly suppressed the growth of ovarian tumors xenografts in athymic nude mice. The tumors of DIM treated mice exhibited reduced phosphorylation of JAK-2, EGFR and STAT-3 and increased apoptosis. These results indicate that DIM induces apoptosis in ovarian tumor cells by regulating JAK-2 activation in vitro and in vivo. [Supported in part by R01 grants CA 106953 and CA 129038 awarded to S.K.S by National Cancer Institute, NIH] Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2577. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2577
The Impact of Kyphosis on Daily Functioning

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether moderate or severe kyphosis is associated with decrements in physical function, especially mobility. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study. SETTING: The Johns Hopkins Functional Status Laboratory, a multidisciplinary, standardized, quantitative assessment center. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 231 community-dwelling volunteers aged 59 and older who participated in a 1-day evaluation. MEASUREMENTS: Age, gender, self report of physical function, standardized measurement of: kyphosis (both qualitatively clinical criteria and quantitative assessment), time to walk 5 meters (0.1 seconds), and time to climb a flight of stairs (0.1 seconds) at usual pace. RESULTS: Using multivariate step-wise regression analysis, the presence and severity of kyphosis, measured qualitatively, was independently associated with time to walk 5 meters and to climb a flight of stairs (P = .015, P < .001, respectively), adjusting for moderate-severe scoliosis, heart rate response to exercise, arthritis, vertigo, age, and gender. Similarly, quantitative kyphosis was associated independently with stair climb time (P = .005). Qualitative kyphosis was also associated with difficulty reaching (OR = 2.21 (95%CI: 1.14 to 4.29)) and difficulty performing heavy housework (OR = 1.64 (95%CI: 1.03 to 2.61)), adjusting for prior diagnosis of moderate-severe scoliosis, prior diagnosis of arthritis, age, and gender. CONCLUSION: Kyphosis, by both clinical and quantitative assessment, is associated with diminished function, especially performance of mobility tasks. This association should be verified prospectively. If predictive, the impact of kyphosis on physical function should be considered in osteoporosis prevention and treatment counseling. J Am Geriatr Soc 45:1479–1486, 1997.
PLASMA-GASTRIN AND ACID SECRETION IN PATIENTS WITH PEPTIC ULCERATION

Abstract In 132 patients with peptic ulceration— 101 with a duodenal ulcer (D.U.) and 31 with a gastric ulcer (G.U.)—the relation between basal plasma-gastrin (P.G.) levels, basal intragastric pH, and basal (B.A.O.) and stimulated (P.A.O.) gastric-acid secretion has been examined. While the mean basal P.G. for the 101 patients with D.U. was 61±7 pg. per ml., only slightly higher than that of a control group (54±9 pg. per ml.), the mean basal P.G. in the G.U. patients (93±17 pg. per ml.) was higher than that in the control group (P
Influence of extrauterine survival on branching characteristics of hippocampal neurons in preterm infants.

Abstract Computerized morphometric studies were carried out on Golgi-impregnated hippocampal neurons within or near the CA3 zone in two human immature brains. One infant was born at 26 weeks of gestational age (g.a.) and survived 4 weeks. The other was born at 30 weeks and survived 1 day. Angles of bifurcation and fiber separations to nodes and terminals were determined from three-dimensional neuronal information obtained by a computer microscope. These parameters are indices of the maturational status of neurons, and therefore variations in them should provide information on the influence of the extrauterine environment upon neuronal development. Preliminary data suggest that extrauterine survival affects dendrites and axons oppositely. For dendrites, extrauterine development appears to have no effect on the location of nodes and terminals as a function of fiber separation; however, there exists a tendency toward lower branch and fission angle values. The branch and fission angles for axons were similar in both infants, but a reduction in the fiber separation to both nodes and terminals was evident in the infant with 4 weeks of extrauterine survival. These data are interpreted as evidence for an accelerated development of hippocampal neurons in the infant born at 26 weeks of g.a. with 4 weeks of survival compared with the infant born at 30 weeks of g.a.
Time Value and Its Impact on Household Food Expenditures Away From Home

Food away from home (FAFH) expenditure equations derived from household production theory stress the importance of of time constraint implicit in house hold decision making. Numerous methods have been suggested in the literature to quantify the value of time. The measure of time value developed in this study was based on the opportunity cost approach and indicates the importance of correcting for labor force participation selection bias when estimating potential wages for non-labor-force participants. In general, value of time, income, house hold size and composition, and other environmental variables significantly influ enced FAFH expenditures. The results also indicate the importance of distinguish ing between FAFH expenditures at different types of eating places.
Unimpaired mitosis in cells with modified deoxyribonucleic acid.

THE phenomenon of mitosis confronts the investigator with mysteries which become more and more occult with the increase in our knowledge of the basic biochemistry of the nucleus. Although the intense current interest in this field has produced many hypotheses concerning the structure, function, mode of replication of deoxyribonucleic acid, and its relationships with ribonucleic acid and protein, much of this is based on circumstantial evidence.
Assessing Trauma and Traumatic Stress via the Internet: Measurement Equivalence and Participant Reactions

Though relatively understudied, trauma exposure and resulting posttraumatic stress symptoms are common in college students. Web-based surveys allow for private, cost-effective, and time-efficient assessment of trauma and its sequelae in this at-risk population. This study examines two issues pertinent to Internet assessment of trauma and posttraumatic stress: (a) the reliability of the Internet compared with paper-and-pencil and interview assessments and (b) the acceptability of this assessment modality to students. College students (N = 38) completed a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clinical interview and paper-and-pencil and online versions of trauma and PTSD questionnaires. Results showed in-person and online trauma and PTSD assessments to be significantly associated with each other and with the clinical interview. Participants reported positive reactions to the online survey. Findings suggest that the Internet can reliably and unobtrusively assess potentially sensitive topics in college students.
An integration of complementary strategies for gene-expression analysis to reveal novel therapeutic opportunities for breast cancer

Introduction Perhaps the major challenge in developing more effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of breast cancer patients is confronting the heterogeneity of the disease, recognizing that breast cancer is not one disease but multiple disorders with distinct underlying mechanisms. Geneexpression profiling studies have been used to dissect this complexity, and our previous studies identified a series of intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer that define distinct populations of patients with respect to survival. Additional work has also used signatures of oncogenic pathway deregulation to dissect breast cancer heterogeneity as well as to suggest therapeutic opportunities linked to pathway activation. Methods We used genomic analyses to identify relations between breast cancer subtypes, pathway deregulation, and drug sensitivity. For these studies, we use three independent breast cancer gene-expression data sets to measure an individual tumor phenotype. Correlation between pathway status and subtype are examined and linked to predictions for response to conventional chemotherapies. Results We reveal patterns of pathway activation characteristic of each molecular breast cancer subtype, including within the more aggressive subtypes in which novel therapeutic opportunities are critically needed. Whereas some oncogenic pathways have high correlations to breast cancer subtype (RAS, CTNNB1, p53, HER1), others have high variability of activity within a specific subtype (MYC, E2F3, SRC), reflecting biology independent of common clinical factors. Additionally, we combined these analyses with predictions of sensitivity to commonly used cytotoxic chemotherapies to provide additional opportunities for therapeutics specific to the intrinsic subtype that might be better aligned with the characteristics of the individual patient. Conclusions Genomic analyses can be used to dissect the heterogeneity of breast cancer. We use an integrated analysis of breast cancer that combines independent methods of genomic analyses to highlight the complexity of signaling pathways underlying different breast cancer phenotypes and to identify optimal therapeutic opportunities.
Population demographics and trade-offs to reproduction of an invasive and noninvasive species of Rubus

Do trade-offs between growth and reproduction differ between an invasive and noninvasive plant species and how do such trade-offs relate to population demographics? To help address these questions, we compared demographics for an invasive plant species, Rubus discolor, with a noninvasive congener, R. ursinus, in several populations of varying density. Removal of floral buds from reproductive canes increased the size of juvenile canes that arose from clonal sprouting in R. ursinus, suggesting a trade-off between current reproduction and growth. Removal of floral buds had no effect on growth of R. discolor. R. ursinus displayed trade-offs between reproduction (sexual and vegetative) and future growth based on negative correlations between leaf area production and both clonal sprouting and seedling production during the previous year. R. discolor did not exhibit these trade-offs. Both species had high population growth rates in low-density populations, but exhibited little or no growth in high-density populations. A life table response experiment was used to determine the underlying cause for the effect of density on population growth. For R. ursinus, lack of population growth in high-density populations was due primarily to increased mortality of clonally sprouting canes, while for R. discolor, it was due to decreased clonal cane production. Elasticity analysis revealed that clonal growth was more important than sexual reproduction for population growth of both species. However, elasticity values for sexual reproduction in R. discolor were greater in high- than low-density populations. This suggests an increased reliance on sexual reproduction in populations that had reached stable sizes, which could increase the capacity of R. discolor to disperse to new sites. Elasticity analyses were also used to simulate the efficacy of various control strategies for R. discolor. Control of this species could be attained by reducing clonal production within existing populations while reducing seed production to limit establishment of new populations.
The Chapman Rearrangement

The thermal conversion of aryl N-arylbenzimidates to N-aroyldiphenylamines is known as the Chapman rearrangement. The starting materials for the Chapman rearrangement have been referred to as imino ethers, imido esters, imidates, and by miscellaneous other names. Roger and Neilson have named all the compounds as imidates. This chapter does not name the rearrangement products according to Chemical Abstracts, which lists the compounds as derivatives of benzanilide or benzamide. Here the products are called aroyldiarylamines. All of the compounds obtained by amide hydrolysis are named diarylamines. The Chapmann rearrangement has been shown to be an intramolecular reaction in which a 1,3 shift of an aryl group from oxygen to nitrogen occurs. Keywords: Chapman rearrangement; diphenyl-2-carboxylic acids; acridones; alkyl imidates; catalyzed rearrangements; thermal rearrangements; experimental conditions