cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the CDC proposed laboratory HIV testing algorithm among men who have sex with men (MSM) from five US metropolitan statistical areas using specimens collected in 2011.

Abstract Background Until recently most testing algorithms in the United States (US) utilized Western blot (WB) as the supplemental test. CDC has proposed an algorithm for HIV diagnosis which includes an initial screen with a Combo Antigen/Antibody 4th generation-immunoassay (IA), followed by an HIV-1/2 discriminatory IA of initially reactive-IA specimens. Discordant results in the proposed algorithm are resolved by nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAAT). Objectives Evaluate the results obtained with the CDC proposed laboratory-based algorithm using specimens from men who have sex with men (MSM) obtained in five metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). Study design Specimens from 992 MSM from five MSAs participating in the CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System in 2011 were tested at local facilities and CDC. The five MSAs utilized algorithms of various screening assays and specimen types, and WB as the supplemental test. At the CDC, serum/plasma specimens were screened with 4th generation-IA and the Multispot HIV-1/HIV-2 discriminatory assay was used as the supplemental test. NAAT was used to resolve discordant results and to further identify acute HIV infections from all screened-non-reactive missed by the proposed algorithm. Performance of the proposed algorithm was compared to site-specific WB-based algorithms. Results The proposed algorithm detected 254 infections. The WB-based algorithms detected 19 fewer infections; 4 by oral fluid (OF) rapid testing and 15 by WB supplemental testing (12 OF and 3 blood). One acute infection was identified by NAAT from all screened-non-reactive specimens. Conclusions The proposed algorithm identified more infections than the WB-based algorithms in a high-risk MSM population. OF testing was associated with most of the discordant results between algorithms. HIV testing with the proposed algorithm can increase diagnosis of infected individuals, including early infections.
Initial clinical experience with image-guided linear accelerator-based spinal radiosurgery for treatment of benign nerve sheath tumors

Abstract Background Stereotactic radiosurgery has proven a safe and effective treatment of cranial nerve sheath tumors. A similar approach should be successful for histologically identical spinal nerve sheath tumors. Methods The preliminary results of linear accelerator–based spinal radiosurgery were retrospectively reviewed for a group of 25 nerve sheath tumors. Tumor location was cervical 11, lumbar 10, and thoracic 4. Thirteen tumors caused sensory disturbance, 12 pain, and 9 weakness. Tumor size varied from 0.9 to 4.1 cm (median, 2.1 cm). Radiosurgery was performed with a 60-MV linear accelerator equipped with a micro-multileaf collimator. Median peripheral dose and prescription isodose were 12 Gy and 90%, respectively. Image guidance involved optical tracking of infrared reflectors, fusion of amorphous silicon radiographs with dynamically reconstructed digital radiographs, and automatic patient positioning. Follow-up varied from 12 to 58 months (median, 18). Results There have been no local failures. Tumor size remained stable in 18 cases, and 7 (28%) demonstrated more than 2 mm reduction in tumor size. Of 34 neurologic symptoms, 4 improved. There has been no clinical or imaging evidence for spinal cord injury. One patient had transient increase in pain and one transient increase in numbness. Conclusions Results of this limited experience indicate linear accelerator–based spinal radiosurgery is feasible for treatment of benign nerve sheath tumors. Further follow-up is necessary, but our results imply spinal radiosurgery may represent a therapeutic alternative to surgery for nerve sheath tumors. Symptom resolution may require a prescribed dose of more than 12 Gy.
Participation in Management Training in a Transitioning Context: A Case of China.

This phenomenological study explores critical issues related to participation in human resource development (HRD) interventions. Specifically focusing on master of business administration (M.B.A.) training programs in China, we conducted in-depth individual interviews with twelve middle-level managers to understand their perceptions and experience of this academic program during the country's recent transitional period. The findings suggest that HRD participation in a specific transitioning cultural context may present features that have not been explored by previous learning participation studies in either HRD or adult education. In the light of the transitioning nature of the Chinese cultural context, we derived three propositions for future research on HRD learning participation. Practical implications for learning participation are also drawn based on the results of the study.
A boundary value approach for estuarine water quality modelling with results for Jamaica Bay, New York

Abstract Results of water quality modelling for Jamaica Bay, a New York estuary with a large hydraulic circulation, are presented. The two-dimensional topology is approximated by a set of coupled one-dimensional subsystems. The long term steady state water quality problem is then reformulated as a multi-point boundary value problem for ordinary differential equations. Piecewise constant dispersion parameters are estimated from salinity data. A sequential algorithm based on parallel shooting is developed for solving the multipoint problem. The method, which simplifies handling of feedforward and feedback reaction kinetics, is equivalent to employing a high order finite difference technique with the subsequent enhanced accuracy. Results of model verification for uncoupled variables — salinity, coliform, total soluble phosphorus, and coupled variables for nitrogen (organic and ammonia) and BOD-DO for Jamaica Bay are discussed.
Piecing together nuclear pore complex assembly during interphase

All nucleocytoplasmic traffic of macromolecules occurs through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), which function as stents in the nuclear envelope to keep nuclear pores open but gated. Three studies in this issue (Flemming, D., P. Sarges, P. Stelter, A. Hellwig, B. Bottcher, and E. Hurt. 2009. J. Cell Biol. 185:387–395; Makio, T., L.H. Stanton, C.-C. Lin, D.S. Goldfarb, K. Weis, and R.W. Wozniak. 2009. J. Cell Biol. 185:459–491; Onishchenko, E., L.H. Stanton, A.S. Madrid, T. Kieselbach, and K. Weis. 2009. J. Cell Biol. 185:475–491) further our understanding of the NPC assembly process by reporting what happens when the supply lines of key proteins that provide a foundation for building these marvelous supramolecular structures are disrupted.
Physical interaction between replication protein A and Rad51 promotes exchange on single-stranded DNA

Replication protein A (RPA) is displaced from single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) by Rad51 during the initiation of homologous recombination. Interactions between these proteins have been reported, but the functional significance of the direct RPA-Rad51 interaction has yet to be elucidated. We have identified and characterized the interaction between DNA-binding domain A of RPA (RPA70A) and the N-terminal domain of Rad51 (Rad51N). NMR chemical shift mapping showed that Rad51N binds to the ssDNA-binding site of RPA70A, suggesting a competitive mechanism for the displacement of RPA from ssDNA by Rad51. A structure of the RPA70A-Rad51N complex was generated by experimentally guided modeling and then used to design mutations that disrupt the binding interface. Functional ATP hydrolysis assays were performed for wild-type Rad51 and a mutant defective in binding RPA. Rates of RPA displacement for the mutant were significantly below those of wild-type Rad51, suggesting that a direct RPA-Rad51 interaction is involved in displacing RPA in the initiation stage of genetic recombination.
Protective effect of ascorbate against oxidative stress in the mouse lens.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if high ascorbate of the human aqueous protects the lens against oxidative stress. Previous studies with the rat lens have been inconclusive because of its fortification with aldose reductase (AR), an important antioxidant. The human lens is deficient in this activity. These studies were hence done with the mouse lens, a species deficient in this enzyme. The reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced physiological damage to the tissue was assessed in organ culture, by measuring its ability to actively transport 86Rb+ ions, in the absence and presence of ascorbate. In addition, the status of tissue metabolism and its antioxidant reserve were assessed by quantitating ATP and glutathione (GSH). As expected, ROS decreased the membrane transport activity as well as the levels of ATP and GSH. Ascorbate minimized these toxic effects substantially. The presence of high ascorbate, therefore, appears highly beneficial in protecting the lens against oxidative damage and cataract formation, despite a deficiency of AR. The findings therefore appear to be significant from the point of view of using this nutrient for delaying the onset of cataract development in human beings, therapeutically as well as nutritionally.
Ekman drift currents in the Arctic Ocean

Abstract Current observations from a drifting ice floe in the central Arctic Ocean give clear evidence of a clockwise spiral structure in the upper layers. The data for steady conditions show a boundary layer just beneath the ice and an Ekman spiral layer below it. The depth of frictional influence is 18 m for winds of 4 m/sec. This is apparently the first detailed confirmation of the Ekman spiral in deep waters.
An analogy between the evolution of drug resistance in bacterial communities and malignant tissues

Cancer cells rapidly evolve drug resistance through somatic evolution and, in order to continue growth in the metastatic phase, violate the organism-wide consensus of regulated growth and beneficial communal interactions. We suggest that there is a fundamental mechanistic connection between the rapid evolution of resistance to chemotherapy in cellular communities within malignant tissues and the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacterial communities. We propose that this evolution is the result of a programmed and collective stress response performed by interacting cells, and that, given this fundamental connection, studying bacterial communities can provide deeper insights into the dynamics of adaptation and the evolution of cells within tumours.
A note on obtaining symmetrical angular yield curves in MeV ion channeling

Abstract Planar channeling effects can distort the angular yield (dip) curve measured about an axial channeling direction. Two methods for minimizing distortion due to planar channeling are discussed: 1) varying the angles θ and φ of a two-axis goniometer together during the angular scan, and 2) remounting the sample so that a scan of only θ produces an undistorted symmetric dip curve. In practice, remounting the sample is preferred in order to minimize effects due to the mechanical limitations of the goniometer.
Participant-Centered Evaluation of Job Training Programmes for the Economically Disadvantages: A US Case Study

This article reports results from a US case study utilising participant-centred evaluations of government training programmes for the econ-omically disadvantaged. The study concludes that when qualitative evidence such as open-ended, face-to-face interviews with participants are added to the quantitative evaluation techniques currently used, significantly new or different insights can be gained for policy-making purposes.
Expression of the chicken peptide transporter 1 and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α following feed restriction and subsequent refeeding

The peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) transports di- and tripeptides from the lumen of the small intestine into the enterocyte. Expression of this transporter is affected by numerous factors, including feed restriction. During a fasting state, PepT1 is thought to be regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a feed restriction-refeeding regimen on expression of chicken PepT1 and PPARα. Ten-day-old broiler chicks were placed on a 24-h feed restriction with 6 birds sampled before and after the restriction. Following feed restriction, the remaining birds were divided into 3 groups: continuously fasted, refed-food withdrawn, and refed ad libitum. The duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were sampled 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 h post feed restriction. Expression of PepT1 and PPARα increased almost 2-fold post feed restriction (P < 0.002). A significant group × time interaction was observed for PPARα, with the continuously fasted group showing a peak at 29 h postrestriction (P = 0.002). A group × segment interaction was found for both PepT1 (P = 0.002) and PPARα (P = 0.01); within the continuously fasted group, PepT1 expression was greatest in the jejunum (P < 0.001) and ileum (P = 0.01) when compared with the duodenum. No difference was observed between the jejunum and ileum. The PPARα expression was greatest in the jejunum (P = 0.03) when compared with the duodenum, with no difference between the jejunum and ileum or between the duodenum and ileum. The increase in PepT1 expression during a time of reduced feed intake suggests the importance of having transporters ready to scavenge any available luminal nutrients. The concurrent increase in PPARα suggests a possible regulatory role for this receptor in the regulation of PepT1 during feed restriction.
Polymorphism of bacteriophage T7

Abstract For viruses made of nucleic acid and protein, the structure of the protein outer shell has, in the past, been found to be uniquely determined by the viral genome. However, here, non-denaturing agarose gel electrophoresis of bacteriophage T7 reveals two states of the mature T7 capsid; the conditions of growth are found to alter the population by T7 of these two electrophoretically defined states. Both states have been previously observed for a genetically altered T7 and they are observed here for wild-type T7. The average electrical surface charge density of a bacteriophage particle (δ) determines its state; the δ of particles in both states is negative. For a given condition of growth, the population of these two states is influenced by the extent to which the major T7 outer shell protein, p10A, is accompanied by its minor readthrough variant, p10B. Comparison of the two electrophoretic states reveals the following. (1) No difference in radius is present in the outer shell (±2%). (2) As the pH of electrophoresis is either increased or decreased from neutrality, the state becomes more highly populated for which δ is greater in magnitude (state 1). By changing the pH, some T7 particles are made to change state. (3) Particles in state 1 adsorb less quickly to host cells than do the particles in the alternative state (state 2). This latter observation suggests the hypothesis that state 1 evolved to reduce the probability of re-initiating an infection when conditions are not favorable for growth. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that, as conditions of growth become apparently more unfavorable, progeny increasingly populate state 1.
Work Hope: Development and Initial Validation of a Measure.

Hope is a core construct of positive psychology that has received only minimal application to work and vocational situations. C. R. Snyder (2000) conceptualized hope as a cognitive process with 3 primary components: goals, agency, and pathways. This article presents the development and validation of the Work Hope Scale (WHS), which was rationally based in Snyder's hope theory and designed to assess the presence of work hope in diverse populations. The 3 studies (N = 79, N = 224, and N = 31) presented here provide evidence of both convergent and discriminant validity for the WHS, establish the stability of the WHS, and demonstrate the criterion validity of the WHS by its ability to distinguish among groups that can be expected to have more or less hope about their work situations on the basis of their access to economic resources. The results, based on a diverse sample that includes welfare recipients, economically disadvantaged youth, college students, and community members, support the usefulness of the WHS for both research and interventions in vocational psychology.
Teaching Effective Comprehension Strategies to Students with Learning and Reading Disabilities

In this article, we summarize several metacognitive strategies designed to improve reading comprehension in students with learning and reading disabilities and describe an instructional model showi...
Ontogenic cell death in the nigrostriatal system

Like most neural systems, dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra undergo apoptotic natural cell death during development. In rodents, this occurs largely postnatally and is biphasic with an initial major peak just after birth and a second minor peak on postnatal day 14. As envisioned by classic neurotrophic theory, this event is regulated by interactions with the target of these neurons, the striatum, because a developmental target lesion results in an augmented natural cell death event with fewer nigral dopamine neurons surviving into adulthood. Until recently, the striatal target-derived neurotrophic factors providing developmental support of dopamine neurons were unknown, but there is now growing evidence that glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) serves as a physiologic limiting neurotrophic factor for these neurons during the first phase of natural cell death. During this phase, intrastriatal injection of GDNF diminishes the natural cell death event and neutralizing antibodies augment it. Sustained overexpression of GDNF in the striatum throughout development in a unique double transgenic mouse model results in an increased number of dopamine neurons surviving the first phase of natural cell death. However, this increase does not persist into adulthood. Therefore, other factors or mechanisms must play important roles in the determination of the mature number of nigral dopamine neurons. Further elucidation of these mechanisms will be important in the development of neuroprotective and cell replacement therapies for Parkinson’s disease.
TGFBR2 mutation is correlated with CpG island methylator phenotype in microsatellite instability-high colorectal cancer.

Summary The transforming growth factor- β receptor type 2 gene ( TGFBR2 ) is mutated in most microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancers. Promoter methylation of RUNX3 (runt-related transcription factor 3; encoding a transcription factor downstream of the TGF- β pathway) is observed in colorectal cancer with CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), which is characterized by extensive promoter methylation and is associated with MSI-H and BRAF mutations. However, no study to date has examined interrelationship between TGFBR2 mutation, RUNX3 methylation, and CIMP in colorectal cancer. Using 144 MSI-H colorectal cancers derived from 2 large prospective cohort studies, we analyzed a mononucleotide repeat of TGFBR2 and quantified DNA methylation (by MethyLight technology) in 8 CIMP-specific promoters ( RUNX3 , CACNA1G [calcium channel, voltage-dependent, T type α -1G subunit], CDKN2A [p16], CRABP1 [cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1], IGF2 [insulin-like growth factor 2], MLH1 , NEUROG1 [neurogenin 1], and SOCS1 [suppressor of cytokine signaling 1]). Among the 144 MSI-H tumors, the presence of TGFBR2 mutation (overall 72% frequency) was correlated positively with CIMP-high (with ≥6/8 methylated promoters; P RUNX3 methylation ( P = .0004), BRAF mutation ( P = .0006), and right colon ( P = .05); inversely with KRAS mutation ( P = .006); but not significantly with sex, tumor differentiation, and p53 status (assessed by immunohistochemistry). After stratification by sex, location, tumor differentiation, RUNX3 status, KRAS/BRAF status, or p53 status, CIMP-high was persistently correlated with TGFBR2 mutation. In contrast, RUNX3 , KRAS , or BRAF status was no longer correlated with TGFBR2 mutation after stratification by CIMP status. In conclusion, TGFBR2 mutation is associated with CIMP-high and indirectly with RUNX3 methylation. Our findings emphasize the importance of analyzing global epigenomic status (for which CIMP status is a surrogate marker) when correlating a single epigenetic event (eg, RUNX3 methylation) with any other molecular or clinicopathologic variables.
Patterns of Recurrence After Resection of Osteosarcoma of the Extremity: Strategies for Treatment of Metastases

• We studied recurrence patterns in 255 patients with high-grade osteosarcoma of the extremity and the efficacy of the treatment of these recurrences. One hundred seven patients developed metastatic disease: 77 had isolated pulmonary metastases, 17 had simultaneous metastases to lung and elsewhere, and 13 had metastases to other sites. Of the 77 patients with metastases confined to the lung, 51 (66%) underwent thoracotomy for resection of the metastases, and 13 (17%) are long-term disease-free survivors. Patients with simultaneous metastases to lung and other sites, and patients with metastases to sites other than lung, have a poor prognosis with only one long-term disease-free survivor in these groups. Thoracotomy has a limited role in the treatment of metastatic disease. Improvements in aggressive, systemic chemotherapy are essential for improving the prognosis in these patients. ( Arch Surg 1989;124:122-126)
Coupling of mid-latitude spread-F between conjugate stations

It is shown that very marked differences occur between the spread F incidence at two stations (Puerto Rico and Port Stanley) in opposite hemispheres with similar magnetic coordinates and that these differences correspond to differences in the local ionospheres. It is deduced from this that electric field coupling of the local and conjugate ionosphere does not play a dominant role in the build-up or maintenance of the irregularity structure manifesting itself as spread F on ionograms.
Low-dimensional effects on frequency dependence of proton NMR relaxation in liquid cyclohexane confined to porous glasses

Abstract 1H NMR spin—lattice relaxation times were measured for cyclochexane confined to sol—gel porous silica glasses with 17.2 and 20.4 A pore radii. The relaxation times were measured at five different frequencies: 9.2, 60, 180, 300 and 500 MHz. Additionally the measurements of the spin—lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame, T1ϱ, were performed with the frequency of the spin-locking pulse 4 X 103-8.5 X 104 rad/s. At low frequencies a linear dependence of 1/T1ϱ versus log ω was found. In the studied frequency range the relaxation rates change with frequency and pore size as predicted by the theory of restricted translational diffusion in two-dimensional systems.
Multislice double inversion pulse sequence for efficient black-blood MRI.

Over the last several years there has been a rapidly growing interest in high-resolution MRI of the vascular wall to assess the extent of atherosclerotic lesions. Vessels of particular clinical relevance are the carotid and coronary arteries. Currently, the preferred imaging sequence for these studies is a “black-blood” technique based on the double-inversion scheme to null the blood signal. A critical drawback of the black-blood technique, however, has been its single-slice nature, as there is only one point in time during the recovery of the blood magnetization from inversion at which the signal is completely nulled. Consequently, the total scan time can become prohibitively long, particularly when an imaging protocol includes several series of these datasets. In this work, a multiple-slice double-inversion technique is described that can reduce the scan time by a factor of two or more. It is demonstrated in vivo with examples from carotid and coronary arteries that one can acquire multiple slices with sufficient nulling of blood, following a single set of inversion pulses. Magn Reson Med 47:616–620, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Iron oxide coatings on sand grains from the Atlantic coastal plain: High-resolution transmission electron microscopy characterization

Nanoscale characterization of so-called iron oxide coatings on aquifer sands is vital for understanding the fate and transport of naturally occurring and anthropogenic chemical species. These coatings, which typically have a strong reddish color, are commonly assumed to consist primarily of iron oxides and oxyhydroxides. This work shows that the yellowish red to strong brown coatings on sediments from an Atlantic coastal plain aquifer in Virginia are predominantly a mixture of Si- and Al-rich nanophases of variable crystallinity with interspersed smectite and agglomerates of goethite nanoparticles. Clusters of bacterial cells, diatom fossils, sponge spicules, and other trace minerals are also observed.
SIMULTANEOUS OCCURRENCE OF SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMA AND PAROTID-GLAND TUMOURS: A NEW SYNDROME ?

Abstract In a 14-month period two women presented at the same hospital with simultaneous parotid-gland neoplasms and soft-tissue sarcomas. The purely chance association of these two disparate neoplasms is unlikely, and it is suggested that a common aetiological agent, and possibly a virus, may have been involved in the synchronous development of both tumours.
Presage of a paradigm shift? Beyond the social model of disability toward resistance theories of disability

Over the last decade, a growing number of scholars in Disability Studies have begun to critique the social model of disability. This paper documents the movement in these critiques, analyzing several ways paradigms and theories have been used in relation to the social model and the ways in which resistance plays a part in these paradigms. In the second part of the paper, we begin to explore the implications of resistance theory for disability theory, noting that resistance appears to exist throughout all paradigms at play in disability studies while it is rarely explicitly addressed. We conclude by describing the potential use of resistance theory for both theory and praxis.
Men, Masculinities, and Language

How do men use language to express masculinity? How is language masculine, and how does it become so? These are the issues that I address in this article. I first discuss why men and masculinities should be a focus in sociolinguistics, and why they generally have not been. I then explore what is meant by masculinities and the sociolinguistic processes that connect language with masculinities. Finally, I discuss some of the ways researchers have claimed men tend to speak, and why, and the problems with generalizing to all men from these data. The Problem With Men and Masculinities In the last three decades of the twentieth century, linguists began to study how language is used by speakers to do social things like expressing power, solidarity, and identity. Within that research, one of the most fruitful and contentious areas has been the investigation of how people use language to express gender, how a person’s gender affects the choices they make in how they speak, and how their talk is received. Almost every area of language has been shown to be connected with gender, from the smallest segments of sound to broadly characterized discourse strategies. We have learned much from these studies, but from the outset there has been a striking asymmetry in them: women are the object of study overwhelmingly more than men. The founding of the field of language and gender studies is often traced to Lakoff ’s (1975) Language and Woman’s Place, which focuses on how women are expected to use language and how their linguistic usages perpetuate their subordinate position in society. Since then there has been much empirical and comparative work, often testing Lakoff ’s claims, but even in these comparative studies the men are generally not the gender that is focused on in explanation; rather it is the women whose behavior is explained, or whose perspective is taken. Men, in short, are relatively invisible, and when discussed are generally treated as a homogeneous group. In fairness, the political goals of this early (and continuing) work in language and gender necessitated a focus on women, who had been stereotyped as weak and sometimes verbally deficient
Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency augments amphetamine-induced behavioral sensitization in adult mice: Prevention by chronic lithium treatment

Abstract Objectives Emerging data suggests that omega-3 fatty acid deficiency may be a risk factor for bipolar disorder. In the present study, we determined the effects of chronic dietary-induced omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and/or concomitant chronic lithium chloride (LiCl) treatment on amphetamine (AMPH)-induced behavioral sensitization, a phenomenon that may recruit neuroplastic mechanisms relevant to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Method Adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to one four diets: Control (α-linolenic-fortified), Control + LiCl (0.255%), α-linolenic-Deficient, or Deficient + LiCl (0.255%), and behavioral testing initiated 65 days later. Locomotor activity was determined following 3 intermittent (separated by 7 d) injections of amphetamine (AMPH) (1 mg/kg). After behavioral testing, red blood cell (RBC) and regional brain (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, ventral striatum) fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. Results Each diet group exhibited comparable locomotor activity following acute AMPH treatment. However, the development of sensitization following repeated AMPH treatment was significantly augmented in Deficient mice relative to controls, and this augmented response was prevented by chronic LiCl treatment. Relative to controls, Deficient mice exhibited deficits in RBC and regional brain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n −3) composition, reciprocal elevations in vaccenic acid (18:1 n −7), arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n −6), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5 n −6) compositions, and elevations in AA:DHA, oleic acid:DHA, and DPA:DHA ratios. The fatty acid abnormalities in Deficient mice were not altered by concurrent chronic lithium treatment. Mice fed the Control + LiCl diet exhibited a significant increase in AA composition in RBC and all brain regions, and an elevated AA:DHA ratio in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, relative to Controls. Fatty acid composition in RBC and different brain regions were predominantly positively correlated. Within the ventral striatum, DHA composition was inversely correlated, and AA:DHA and oleic acid:DHA ratios positively correlated, with total distance traveled following the final AMPH treatment. Conclusion These data indicate that alterations in fatty acid composition resulting from dietary-induced omega-3 fatty acid deficiency augment the development of AMPH-induced behavioral sensitization in a manner that is prevented by chronic lithium treatment. The implications of these findings for understanding the contribution of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency to the pathophysiology and progression of bipolar disorder are discussed.
Making the Connection Between Formal Human Resource Diversity Practices and Organizational Effectiveness: Behind Management Fashion

ABSTRACT: Formal human resource diversity programs have experienced rapid growth; yet research on how these initiatives influence organizational effectiveness remains insufficient. This research explores formal diversity programs' influence on organizational effectiveness using universalistic and contingency frameworks. Our findings show that universally, diversity practices strongly and negatively relate to turnover. Organizations with innovative strategies coupled with formal diversity practices had improved productivity and market performance supporting contingency notions. Future research should employ both the universalistic and contingency theories in combination for a more in-depth understanding of construct relationships.
Pregnant women have increased incidence of IgE autoantibodies reactive with the skin and placental antigen BP180 (type XVII collagen)

BP180 (type XVII collagen) is a transmembrane protein expressed in a variety of cell types. It is also the target of autoantibodies in cutaneous autoimmune disease including bullous pemphigoid and pemphigoid gestationis, a disease unique to pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and specificity of cutaneous autoantibodies in a cohort of pregnant women. De-identified sera were collected from pregnant women (n=299) and from non-pregnant controls (n=134). Sera were analyzed by ELISA for the presence of IgG and IgE autoantibodies directed against several cutaneous autoantigens. IgE antibodies against the NC16A domain of BP180 were detected in 7.7% of pregnant women, compared to 2.2% of healthy controls (p=0.01). No increase in total or cutaneous autoantigen specific IgG was seen. Total serum IgE was within the normal range. Full-length BP180 was detected by western immunoblot in epidermal, keratinocyte, placental and cytotrophoblast (CTB) cell lysates. Furthermore, flow cytometry and indirect immunofluorescence confirmed the expression of BP180 on the surface of cultured CTBs. Finally, it was demonstrated that IgE antibodies in the pregnancy sera labeled not only cultured CTBs, but also the placental amnion and cutaneous basement membrane zone using indirect immunofluorescence. We conclude that some pregnant women develop antibodies specific for BP180, and that these autoantibodies are capable of binding both CTB and the placental amnion, potentially affecting placental function.
Thymidylate synthase expression and molecular alterations in adenosquamous carcinoma of the lung

Thymidylate synthase expression is known to be higher in squamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma of the lung. It is thought that this is the reason for the poor efficacy of pemetrexed in squamous cell carcinoma. However, there is limited data on thymidylate synthase expression in adenosquamous carcinoma, a distinct subtype of lung cancer containing both squamous and glandular differentiation. Furthermore, molecular alterations like epidermal growth factor receptor and Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog mutations, which are seen in adenocarcinomas, are not well understood in mixed histology tumors such as adenosquamous carcinoma. In our study, we sought to better characterize adenosquamous tumors of the lung. Using immunohistochemistry to evaluate thymidylate synthase protein levels, we found that the expression of thymidylate synthase in these mixed tumors roughly parallel that of squamous cell carcinoma, instead of falling in between squamous cell and adenocarcinoma. Of note, in adenosquamous samples, the expression of thymidylate synthase was more closely correlated within the two components than would be expected by random chance alone. Also, we had a relatively high rate of epidermal growth factor receptor (11%) and Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (33%) mutations in these specimens, with the mutations showing convergence in both the glandular and squamous components upon microdissection. Our results indicate that adenosquamous carcinomas are not simple mixtures of their two histological components; they rather behave as their own entity, and it is important to further understand their behavior. Given the similarity of thymidylate synthase expression between squamous cell and adenosquamous carcinoma, and that thymidylate synthase is the main target of pemetrexed, we extrapolate that pemetrexed may also have inferior clinical activity in adenosquamous carcinoma.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ROLL CALL VOTING IN THE U.S. CONGRESS IN 1975 AND 1979

The authors analyze Congressional roll call votes in 1975 and 1979 to see how the politics of policy making is affecting national energy and environmental goals and whether traditional voting patterns continue. The results suggest that idology is the major factor in policy issues rather than a legislator's political party, region, or constituency. The models used to analyze energy and environmental voting differ, but both reflect a strong ideological component even though energy is perceived as a more technical issue than the environment. The stronger political party factor in energy policy in both years reflects the presence of presidential leadership. The authors conclude that traditional analysis of policy making has changed and that the political role in emerging issues has been exaggerated. 14 references 2 tables.
Numerical simulations of hydra head regeneration using a proportion-regulating version of the Gierer-Meinhardt model

Abstract The results of a wide variety of transplantation experiments with Hydra , including experiments on animals in various stages of head regeneration, can be accounted for in a quantitatively satisfactory way with a reaction-diffusion model. This model, a proportion-regulating version of the Gierer-Meinhardt model, also accounts for the observed allometry of the head in Hydra . Values can be derived for all nine of the independent parameters of the model using eleven experimental results, and the model with these parameter values predicts the results of six further experiments.
Dosage dependent genetic suppression of oat crown rust resistance gene Pc-62

Combining crown rust resistance (CRR) genes is an objective of many oat (Avena saliva L.) breeding programs. Genetic suppressors of CRR have been reported, but the genetic nature of such suppressors has not been investigated. An excess of susceptible seedlings in segregating progeny of crosses involving genotypes with Pc-38 and Pc-62 suggested the Pc-38 parent may have a factor that inhibits the expression of Pc-62. Our objectives were to (i) examine a putative genetic interaction between oat CRR gene Pc-62 and a dominant suppressor, (ii) utilize chromosome interchange stocks to define genetically the location of the suppressor, (iii) evaluate the effect of gene dosage combinations on the resistance-suppression relationship, and (iv) examine alternative explanations of distorted segregation (genetic background and differential gamete transmission). The use of duplication-deficiency. (Dp-Df) genotypes placed a putative suppressor on an interchanged chromosome segment that contains Pc-38. Resistance conferred by Pc-62 was suppressed in F 1 trisomic CRR locus combinations (1 Pc-62:2 Pc-38 ) in comparison to the expression of resistance in F 1 seedlings hemizygous for Pc-62. The Pc-38 segment contributed by two independently derived cultivars produced equivalent suppression in F 1 combinations with Pc-62. The presence of Pc-38 in an interchanged position in the cultivar Dumont allowed production of mono- and diallelic combinations of resistance genes and evaluation of mono-, di-, and trisomic segregation of the CRR locus. Diallelic trisomic segregation for the CRR locus indicated that an increasing dosage of Pc-62, relative to the suppressor and Pc-38, decreased the degree of suppression. Male transmission of Dp-Df gametes was not reduced relative to the frequency of gametes with a complete chromosome complement.
Oncolytic virotherapy for gliomas: steps toward the future.

389 ISSN 2045-0907 10.2217/CNS.13.35 © 2013 Future Medicine Ltd CNS Oncol. (2013) 2(5), 389–392 Oncolytic virotherapy is a relatively novel and increasingly examined strategy to combat various tumor types including those of the CNS [1]. In this approach, replication-competent viruses are engineered to specifically infect and replicate in cancer cells, while normal cells are spared. In the process of progeny particle release, tumor cells are killed and tumor-associated antigens are released. Exploiting their selfperpetuating and replicative nature, oncolytic viruses (OVs) can spread throughout the tumor, ideally leading to complete tumor destruction by anti-tumor immune activation, disruption of tumor blood supply, and virally encoded therapeutic transgenes in addition to direct oncolysis [2]. Several oncolytic agents have recently progressed to advanced efficacy trials for solid non-CNS tumors, including the pioneering herpes simplex virus (HSV) talimogene laherparepvec, which may be the closest to receiving US FDA approval for intratumoral treatment of malignant melanoma [101]. Local administration is also applicable for oncolytic virotherapy of gliomas, for which viral infusions into the tumor or the resection cavity are performed either by free-hand [3] or convection-enhanced delivery [4]. Phase I/II trials have been carried out using OVs for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), and different viral species and strains have been utilized. Some have been chosen on the basis of their natural oncotropism, as in the case of Newcastle disease virus administered intravenously [5] or the Dearing strain of reovirus (named Reolysin; Oncolytics Biotech, Inc., Calgary, Canada) administered intratumorally [6]. Other OVs are genetically modified to ensure tumor-specific replication: examples include the adenovirus ONYX-015 with deletions in the early genes E1B and E3 [3], or HSVs G207 [7], G47Delta [8], HSV1716 [9] or rQNestin34.5 [10] with mutations that attenuate the virus so that it replicates primarily in tumor cells. All these viruses have been administered into the tumor or peritumorally. All trials of OV therapy for GBM so far have shown relative safety even at the highest administered doses. In fact, evidence for a maximum tolerated dose has not been currently shown in any of the published trials. These safety data are especially
Designing electrospun nanofiber mats to promote wound healing – a review

Current strategies to treat chronic wounds offer limited relief to the 7.75 million patients who suffer from burns or chronic skin ulcers. Thus, as long as chronic wounds remain a global healthcare problem, the development of alternate treatments remain desperately needed. This review explores the recent strategies employed to tailor electrospun nanofiber mats towards accelerating the wound healing process. Porous nanofiber mats readily produced by the electrospinning process offer a promising solution to the management of wounds. The matrix chemistry, surface functionality, and mat degradation rate all can be fine-tuned to govern the interactions that occur at the materials-biology interface. In this review, first we briefly discuss the wound healing process and then highlight recent advances in drug release, biologics encapsulation, and antibacterial activity that have been demonstrated via electrospinning. While this versatile biomaterial has shown much progress, commercializing nanofiber mats that fully address the needs of an individual patient remains an ambitious challenge.
Systematic errors in polarization-dependent electron yield experiments

Abstract We critically review experiments that reported that the pulse yield of CsI depends on the state of polarization of the incident X-rays. We show that such experiments, and possibly other polarization dependent experiments, are susceptible to serious systemic errors, particularly at small grazing incidence anges. We present a model that accounts for the different systematic errors, and measurements that demonstrate the validity of the model. We analyze the particular experimental parameters of some of the pulse yield experiments and conclude that their results were affected by the systematic errors and hence have to be retracted. According to a set of measurements designed to avoid these systematic errors the pulse yield of CsI does not depend on the polarization state of the incident X-rays.
Improving the speed of ISO 14000 implementation: a framework for increasing productivity

Time to implementation is an essential measure of success in the implementation of ISO 14000 in organizations across the spectrum. Time delays are directly correlated to cost overruns and erosion of competitive advantage that is expected from successful implementation. A framework is developed that seeks to identify management practices that result in faster implementation of environmental management systems leading to certification. This paper identifies a set of management actions that impact on the speed of successful implementation of ISO 14000 environmental management systems to provide future managerial guidance. Management actions in the form of top management commitment, determination of customer driven specifications of quality and environmental friendliness, use of analytical tools, use of statistical process control techniques, support for “do it right the first time”, snowballing training experience across the entire workforce, cross‐functional teams, improvements in communication within teams...
Age‐related difference in bioenergetics of lung and heart mitochondria from rats exposed to ozone

Bioenergetics of isolated lung and heart mitochondria from adult and aged rats were examined in the presence of glutamate (NAD-linked substrate) or succinate + rotenone (FAD-linked substrate) following ozone exposure (3.0 ppm, 8 hr). In controls, several differences were observed between adults and aged in both organ preparations. Following exposure, all bioenergetic parameters were decreased significantly in lung preparations from both adult and aged rats. In heart mitochondria, the respiration rates in state 3 and in uncoupled state, and the ADP/O ratio were decreased significantly in both exposed age groups. The respiratory control ratio (RCR) was decreased significantly only in the aged exposed rats. These results suggest that acute exposure to high levels of ozone alters energy production in both lung and heart mitochondria of adult and aged rats.
Clinical history of HIV infection may be misleading in cytopathology

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are at an increased risk for developing opportunistic infections, reactive conditions and neoplasms. As a result, a broad range of conditions are frequently included in the differential diagnosis of HIV-related lesions. The clinical history of HIV infection may, however, be misleading in some cases. Illustrative cases are presented in which knowledge of a patient's HIV status proved to be misleading and increased the degree of complexity of the cytologic evaluation. Case 1 involved the fine needle aspiration (FNA) of a painful 3 cm unilateral neck mass in a 38-year-old female with generalized lymphadenopathy. Her aspirate revealed a spindle cell proliferation devoid of mycobacteria that was immunoreactive for S-100 and macrophage markers (KP-1, PGM1). Multiple noncontributory repeat procedures were performed until a final excision revealed a schwannoma. Case 2 was a CT-guided FNA of a positron emission tomography positive lung mass in a 53-year-old man. The acellular aspirate in this case contained structures resembling fungal spore forms that were negative for mucicarmine and GMS stains, as well as cryptococcal antigen immunocytochemistry. A Von Kossa stain confirmed that these pseudo-fungal structures were calcified debris. Follow up revealed multiple calcified lung and hilar node based granulomata. Case 3 involved the cytologic evaluation of pleural fluid from a 47-year-old man with Kaposi sarcoma and recurrent chylous pleural effusions. Large atypical cells identified in his effusion were concerning for primary effusion lymphoma. Subsequent pleural biopsy revealed extramedullary hematopoiesis, documenting these atypical cells as megakaryocytes. These cases demonstrate that knowledge of a patient's HIV status can be misleading in the evaluation of cytology specimens, with potential for misdiagnosis and/or multiple procedures. To avoid this pitfall in the setting of HIV infection, common entities unrelated to HIV infection and artifacts should always be included in the differential diagnosis.