cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association between serum liver enzymes and cancer mortality.

Interpreting levels of liver enzymes is often challenging because they may be influenced by metabolic processes beyond the liver. Given their pathophysiologic roles in inflammation and oxidative stress, higher levels of these enzymes may be associated with increased risk of mortality. However, studies have found inconsistent results. Thus, we examined the association of liver enzymes levels with cancer mortality in the general US adult population. We used the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2016. Kaplan–Meier survival curve comparisons were examined across quartiles of liver enzymes. Cox proportional hazards models were built to examine the relationship between cancer mortality and liver enzymes quartiles without and with adjustment for potential confounding factors. During the 338,882 person-years follow-up, 1059 participants had cancer-related deaths. There was a nonlinear U-shaped relationship between serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST) levels and cancer mortality. There was no relationship between cancer mortality and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT); however, each 10 IU/L increase in GGT after median was associated with 1% higher mortality risk (HR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.02; P = 0.001). Only subjects with high levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) had higher cancer mortality (HR = 1.63; 95CI = 1.30, 2.05; P < 0.001 and HR = 1.52; 95%CI = 1.20, 1.94; P = 0.001, respectively). Only the lowest and highest serum ALT and AST levels are associated with increased cancer mortality. For ALP, the relationship is present at higher levels. The association with GGT was not robust to different analyses. The mechanisms underlying the observed relationships need further exploration.
Bacterial-Derived Outer Membrane Vesicles are Potent Adjuvants that Drive Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses

Discovery and development of novel adjuvants that can improve existing or next generation vaccine platforms have received considerable interest in recent years. In particular, adjuvants that can elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses would be particularly advantageous because the majority of licensed vaccines are formulated with aluminum hydroxide (alum) which predominantly promotes antibodies. We previously demonstrated that bacterial-derived outer membrane vesicles (OMV) possess inherent adjuvanticity and drive antigen-specific antibody and cellular immune responses to OMV components. Here, we investigated the ability of OMVs to stimulate innate and adaptive immunity and to function as a stand-alone adjuvant. We show that OMVs are more potent than heat-inactivated and live-attenuated bacteria in driving dendritic cell activation in vitro and in vivo. Mice immunized with OMVs admixed with heterologous peptides generated peptide-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells responses. Notably, OMV adjuvant induced much greater antibody and B cell responses to co-delivered ovalbumin compared to the responses elicited by the adjuvants alum and CpG DNA. Additionally, pre-existing antibodies raised against the OMVs did not impair OMV adjuvanticity upon repeat immunization. These results indicate that vaccines adjuvanted with OMVs elicit robust cellular and humoral immune responses, supporting further development of OMV adjuvant for use in next-generation vaccines.
Evaluation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Including Parasternal Intercostal Nerve Block in Cardiac Surgery Requiring Sternotomy.

BACKGROUND Recent guidelines for perioperative care in cardiac surgery recommend multimodal pain management to decrease opioid use. We evaluated the effect of multimodal pain management including parasternal intercostal nerve block on pain control and opioid use in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) requiring sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. STUDY DESIGN Medical records of consecutive patients who underwent CABG from 2018 to 2019 at Huntington Hospital were retrospectively queried. Patients were divided in 2 groups based on whether an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pain management protocol including parasternal intercostal nerve blocks was employed. Outcomes, including length of stay, pain scores, and opioid use, were compared. RESULTS There was no difference in length of stay (days) 5.43 vs. 5.38 (P = .45 and average pain score 2.23 vs. 3.27 (P = .137) for patients in the ERAS and non-ERAS groups. Maximum pain score, 7.74 to 6.15 (P = .015), and opioid use (total morphine mg equivalent), 149.64 to 32.01 (P < .01), were reduced in the ERAS group. CONCLUSION The ERAS multimodal pain management protocol utilizing intraoperative parasternal blocks appears to reduce pain and decrease opioid use after CABG.
Pharmacological assistance for psychotherapy

Abstract Recent interest has emerged regarding the use of several short-acting pharmacotherapies that may be explicitly delivered in the context of psychotherapy for anxiety, mood and substance-dependence disorders. Our objective in this narrative review is to highlight the potential of medically-assisted psychotherapy by outlining the current state of research on some of these drugs, including d -cycloserine, propranolol, and psychedelics, and describing the basic science that supports their use. The neurobiological learning and memory theories that correspond to the manner in which these drugs function are also discussed. Although the efficacy of the medically-assisted psychotherapies reviewed is still under investigation, we propose that these novel treatment approaches may be preferred over traditional psychopharmacological treatments for many reasons, including the presence of fewer chronic side effects, as well as a lesser toxicity and abuse potential. Furthermore, some clinical research suggests that adjunctive pharmacotherapies may help to reinforce the psychotherapeutic alliance and may ultimately yield better long-term treatment outcomes for this reason, alone. If at least some of the adjunctive pharmacotherapies outlined in this review are found to be clinically efficacious and safe, mental health patients will benefit from having more treatment options available to them in the future.
Eyelid dermatitis

Cosmetic alteration of a patient’s orbital skin is a common reason for professional consultation. This review presents the differential diagnosis and recommended evaluation of inflamed eyelids. To better understand the diseases, each is individually addressed clinically, pathogenetically, and therapeutically. It is critical to recognize the lesions correctly and to have full knowledge of the putative clinical disease process. An algorithm for an appropriate work-up for each disease is offered. With this background, a successful therapeutic response can be anticipated.
Optimizing the Radiation Oncology Nursing Care Model Within an Academic Practice Setting

Purpose/Objective(s) Registered nurses (RN) can provide patients with the necessary support to successfully complete radiation treatment, including coordination of care, education, and toxicity management. Optimal nursing support can also improve the efficiency of the provider. Within an academic radiation oncology facility, we found that RNs were underutilized, performing mainly secretarial or medical assistant level tasks. The purpose of this study was to identify opportunities for process improvement in the nursing care model with the intent to improve nursing job satisfaction, provider satisfaction and patient satisfaction. Materials/Methods A job satisfaction survey was designed to determine RN satisfaction with the tasks that they are assigned and their overall satisfaction of their job duties. A provider satisfaction survey was designed for physicians and nurse practitioners to determine their satisfaction in providing high quality care for their patients. Surveys were sent to the nursing and provider teams in August 2020, to determine initial state and 6 months later in February 2021. Survey data was collected anonymously. In the 6 months between surveys, the RN teams began formal clinic prep, to understand and prepare for new patients/follow up patients for the week and catch any issues that would cause delays during the patient visit, RNs were encouraged to attend the new patient consultation visits to anticipate care coordination issues, and RNs were encouraged to be proactive in answering portal messages from patients rather than sending them directly to the provider. Results The nursing survey was a 5-point rating scale (1 worst-5 best): job duties match knowledge and skills: 3.8, job responsibilities match strengths: 3.2, ability to advocate for patients: 4.4, providers communicate well: 3.0, nursing staff works as a team: 3.4 and enjoy working in this department: 4.3. At 6 months follow up, job duties match knowledge and skills: 4.2, job responsibilities match strengths: 4.3, ability to advocate for patients: 4.6, providers communicate well: 3.5, nursing staff works as a team: 3.9 and enjoy working in this department: 4.5. The provider survey consisted of the following: 67% of providers knew who their primary nurse was, 100% understood the nurse's primary responsibilities, ability to advocate for your patients scored 4.2/5, 56% felt like they had appropriate nursing support, and nurses communicate well scored 3.1/5. At 6 months follow up, 88% of providers knew who their primary nurse was, ability to advocate for your patients scored 4.6/5, appropriate nursing support 4.0/5, and nurses communicate well 4.1/5 Conclusion Optimizing nursing care delivery within the academic practice setting is feasible and led to improved nurse and provider satisfaction. The interventions studied here are low in cost and easily implemented. This work is ongoing to further improve the nursing care model in radiation oncology clinics.
The impact of an exercise intervention on C - reactive protein during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial.

C-reactive protein (CRP) during pregnancy has been associated with adverse maternal outcomes such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus. Randomized trials suggest that exercise programs may be associated with reductions in CRP in non-pregnant populations; however, such studies have not been conducted among pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an individually-tailored motivationally-matched exercise intervention on CRP in pregnant women. The Behaviors Affecting Baby and You study was a randomized controlled trial of prenatal physical activity to prevent the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in women at increased risk. Women were randomized to either a 12-week exercise intervention (n = 84) or a comparison health and wellness intervention (n = 87). High sensitivity CRP (mg/dL) was measured using a commercial immunoassay kit. Physical activity was measured using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Mixed model analyses were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on change in CRP using an intent-to-treat approach. CRP decreased (−0.09 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −0.25, 0.07) from pre- to post-intervention in the exercise arm (p = 0.14) and increased (0.08 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −0.07, 0.24) (p = 0.64) in the health and wellness arm; however the between group difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.14). Findings did not differ according to ethnic group or pre-pregnancy body mass index. In a secondary analysis based on self-reported physical activity, women who decreased their time spent in sports/exercise experienced a mean increase in CRP (0.09 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −0.14, 0.33), whereas women who maintained or increased their sports/ exercise experienced a mean decrease in CRP (−0.08 mg/dL, 95 % CI: −0.23, 0.08) (p = 0.046). Findings from this randomized trial in an ethnically and socio-economically diverse population of pregnant women were consistent with a positive impact of the exercise intervention on CRP levels, but not of statistical significance. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00728377 . Registered 2 August 2008.
Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-associated angioedema with transplant and immunosuppressant use.

To cite this article: Byrd JB, Woodard-Grice A, Stone E, Lucisano A, Schaefer H, Yu C, Eyler AE, Salloum NE, Brown NJ. Association of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-associated angioedema with transplant and immunosuppressant use. Allergy 2010; 65: 1381–1387. Abstract Background: Immunosuppressants decrease circulating dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) activity in transplant patients, and decreased DPPIV activity has been associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-associated angioedema. One study has reported an increased incidence of ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema among transplant patients compared to published rates, while several case series report angioedema in patients taking specific immunosuppressant agents. Objective: To test the hypothesis that transplant patients are at increased risk of ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema. Methods: We assessed the proportion of transplant patients in 145 cases with ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema and 280 ACE inhibitor-exposed controls. We measured the relationship between case–control status, transplant status, and immunosuppressant use and circulating DPPIV activity. We also assessed the incidence of angioedema among consecutive patients who underwent renal or cardiac transplant and were treated with an ACE inhibitor. Results: Transplant patients were significantly overrepresented among ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema cases compared to controls (odds ratio 18.5, 95% CI 2.3–147.2, P = 0.0004). Immunosuppressant use, chronic renal failure, seasonal allergies and smoking were also associated with ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema in univariate analysis. The association of transplant status with ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema was no longer significant after inclusion of immunosuppressant therapy in a multivariate analysis. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity was significantly decreased in sera from cases compared to ACE inhibitor-exposed controls, as well as in individuals taking immunosuppressants. Two of 47 ACE inhibitor-treated renal transplant patients and one of 36 ACE inhibitor-treated cardiac transplant patients developed angioedema. Conclusion: Transplant patients are at increased risk of ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema possibly because of the effects of immunosuppressants on the activity of DPPIV.
Climatology of tornadoes of India and Bangladesh

On the basis of 51 tomadic events reported since 1835, the climatology of tornadoes across the Indian Subcontinent is elucidated. Tornadoes are most likely to occur during the late afternoon of the pre-monsoon months in northeast India or Bangladesh. A secondary maximum exists for the post-monsoon transitional period in the Northeast; moreover, tornadoes have been reported in a corridor extending to the northwest toward Pakistan. The characteristic weather patterns favoring the pre-monsoon severe storms are described. It is speculated that cycles of tornado years may be correlated to periods of reduced tropical cyclone activity.
The electrodynamics of charged dust in the cometary environment

Dust in the plasma and radiative environment of a comet is necessarily electrically charged. This charging has both physical and dynamical effects on the dust, being particularly important on the smallest particles observed in the dust size spectrum. In this paper, these dynamical effects are reviewed and the pertinent observations are discussed.
Pathfinding by neuronal growth cones in grasshopper embryos. I. Divergent choices made by the growth cones of sibling neurons

We are interested in how the growth cones of identified neurons navigate in the central nervous system of the grasshopper embryo. The behavior of identified growth cones was observed as a function of developmental time by (i) periodically removing embryos from synchronized clutches of eggs and (ii) filling identified neurons in the central nervous system with the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow. We examined the first six progeny of the identified neuronal precursor cell, neuroblast 7-4: the Q1, Q2, G, C, Q5, and Q6 neurons. Their growth cones extend sequentially upon the same route across the midline of the posterior commissure of the developing ganglionic neuropil. However, after reaching the contralateral side of the neuropil, their growth cones diverge from each other at reproducible, cell-specific choice points. By focusing our attention on one such choice point, at which the growth cone of the G neuron turns anteriorly while the growth cone of its sibling C neuron turns posteriorly, we hope to elucidate the environmental cues which guide individual growth cones.
Office surgery for paranasal sinus recirculation

Background Circular flow of mucus between adjacent openings of a single paranasal sinus is known as recirculation, and can cause persistent sinonasal symptoms. Removing the bridging tissues allows the surgical ostium to connect to the natural ostium. This procedure prevents the circular flow between the 2 ostia, and allows the mucociliary system to provide for physiologic drainage of the sinuses. Traditionally this has taken place in the operating room; however, performing this procedure in the office is possible, even when there is significant intervening bone. Here we report a series patients with recirculation successfully treated in the office. Methods A prospective study of 10 patients endoscopically diagnosed with recirculation, 9 involving the maxillary sinus and 1 involving the sphenoid. Symptoms included facial pressure, mucus stasis, congestion, and recurrent sinusitis. All patients had previous sinus surgery. All patients were treated in the office under topical ± local anesthesia. The bridging tissues between ostia were removed, 6 of which consisted of mucosal bands within the middle meatus, 1 with mucosa and intervening bone within the middle meatus, 2 with mucosa and inferior turbinate bone between ostia in the inferior and middle meatus, and 1 involving bone of the face of the sphenoid sinus. Results All 10 patients had significant improvement or resolution of the symptoms associated with recirculation, with no further endoscopic evidence of mucus recirculation. Conclusion This case series demonstrates that mucus recirculation can be successfully treated in the office setting, even across bony structures. This leads to significant savings to the healthcare system and less missed work/school compared to an operating room procedure.
Fast imaging for magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography

In magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography (MREIT), currents are injected into an object, the resulting magnetic flux density is measured using MRI, and the conductivity distribution reconstructed using these MRI data. The relatively long acquisition times of conventional MREIT methods limit the signal averaging rate and are susceptible to motion artifacts. In this study, we reconstructed the conductivity distribution of an agarose gel phantom from data acquired in under a minute using a single-shot, spin echo, echo planar imaging (SS-SEPI) pulse sequence. The results demonstrate that SS-SEPI can be used for MREIT data acquisition.
On modeling spurt flows of polymers

Abstract Experimental data have revealed a correlation between the critical regimes of shear flow leading to spurt phenomenon and the critical regimes of elongational flow for the same materials [21,22]. For narrow-distributed polyisoprene PI-7, it was demonstrated that the Johnson-Segalman model is unable to match simultaneously the data in both flow regimes.
Activity of a Microbial Animal Protein Factor Concentrate in a High Energy Broiler Ration

Abstract The use of high-energy low-fiber broiler rations containing large amounts of animal proteins has come at a time when animal products for livestock feeding are extremely scarce and costly. Almost simultaneously animal protein factor (B12) preparations have become available as supplements for poultry rations. Crystalline vitamin B12 was shown by Ott, et al. (1948) to give response similar to the animal protein factor. Lindstrom, et al. (1949) found that a vitamin B12 concentrate gave approximately the same response for chick growth as condensed fish solubles. It had previously been shown by Petersen and Lampman (1949) that the use of herring fish meal at a level of 10 percent in a high-energy broiler ration permitted the omission of liver meal, choline and niacin. It was desired to determine how effective an animal protein factor concentrate * would be in supplementing an all-cereal ration containing soybean oil meal. PROCEDURE Four duplicate lots of . . .
Ben Okri's The Landscapes Within: A metaphor for personal and national development

(1988). Ben Okri's The Landscapes Within: A metaphor for personal and national development. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 203-210.
Cardiac hypertrophy in Aryl hydrocarbon receptor null mice is correlated with elevated angiotensin II, endothelin-1, and mean arterial blood pressure

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates toxicity of xenobiotics, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Genetic deletion of the AhR leads to cardiac hypertrophy, suggesting a role for the AhR in cardiovascular physiology and disease; however, the pathways involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy have not been determined. Thus, we investigated the role of (1) pressure overload using indwelling catheters and (2) vasoactive peptides endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II), assessed by RIA, in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy in AhR-null mice. Histochemical analysis, expression of cardiac hypertrophy marker genes, and echocardiography were used to assess the degree of cardiac hypertrophy. AhR-null mice developed elevated mean arterial pressures (MAP) by 5 months, which was associated with a two- and ninefold increase in plasma ET-1 and Ang II, respectively, compared to wild-type. Captopril-treatment (4 mg/kg) of AhR-null mice from 2 to 5 months of age significantly decreased MAP and plasma Ang II, but did not affect ET-1. Further, captopril improved cardiac function and reduced cardiac hypertrophy as evidenced by reduction in left ventricle mass, left ventricle internal dimension, and molecular cardiac hypertrophy markers. Captopril also decreased fibrosis of the heart and kidney. These findings show that pressure overload is associated with elevated ET-1 and hypertrophic growth of the heart and that cardiac hypertrophy is mediated, in part, by Ang II.
Regional differences in function within noninfarcted myocardium during left ventricular remodeling.

BACKGROUND The mechanisms of ventricular enlargement and dysfunction during postinfarct remodeling remain largely unknown. Although global left ventricular architectural changes after myocardial infarction are well documented, differences in function between adjacent and remote noninfarcted myocardium during left ventricular remodeling have not been investigated. These functional differences may relate to regional differences in wall stress during contraction and may contribute to chamber enlargement and global dysfunction after infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS Anteroapical infarcts were produced in seven sheep by ligation of the mid left anterior descending coronary artery and second diagonal branch at thoracotomy. Magnetic resonance short-axis and long-axis images tagged by spatial modulation of magnetization were obtained before and 1 week, 8 weeks, and 6 months after infarction. Left ventricular volumes, mass, ejection fraction, and lengths of infarcted and noninfarcted segments were measured. Circumferential and longitudinal shortening in the subendocardium and subepicardium, wall thickness, and histopathology were assessed in infarcted segments and regions adjacent to and remote from the infarct border. We found that a difference in circumferential and longitudinal segmental shortening between adjacent and remote noninfarcted myocardium present at 1 week persisted up to 6 months after myocardial infarction. However, partial improvement of function in adjacent regions occurred during infarct healing between 1 and 8 weeks after infarction. Left ventricular volume increased up to 6 months after infarction, out of proportion to the concomitant eccentric hypertrophy, whereas the ejection fraction fell. Left ventricular dilatation late in the remodeling process was secondary to lengthening of noninfarcted segments, which were free of significant fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Left ventricular dilatation and eccentric hypertrophy during remodeling are associated with persistent differences in segmental function between adjacent and remote noninfarcted regions. These functional differences may reflect increased wall stress in adjacent noninfarcted regions and contribute to the global dilatation and dysfunction characteristic of left ventricular remodeling after infarction.
Chemical warfare agent simulants

The public interest in protection against terrorist attacks has elicited a renewed focus on the evaluation of environmental fate effects of chemical warfare agents (such as Tabun and Sarin). Due to the toxicity of the chemical warfare agents, direct evaluation of fate effects cannot be accomplished through the use of the specific agent. Strategies to use chemicals of like structure and molecular properties called simulants have been employed to accomplish the evaluation of fate effects. A collection of most favorable surrogates has been identified that mimic the behavior of the chemical warfare agents in environmental processes. Inspite of this accomplishment, we must remember that the simulant chemical only approximates the behavior of a toxic agent. (Crti Rev Environ Sci Technol, 38:112–136, 2008) The biofuels/food question
Generalisation of a procedure for computing transcription factor profiles

The limited amount of quantitative experimental data generated from life-science experiments poses a major challenge in systems biology. The reason for this is that many systems approaches, such as parameter estimation, simulation and sensitivity analysis make use of models or analyse quantitative data. However, these techniques are only of limited use if only qualitative or semi-quantitative information is available about a system. Therefore procedures that generate quantitative data from experiments in the life sciences can greatly expand the use of systems approaches to biological problems. This study addresses this issue as it introduces a procedure that computes quantitative transcription factor profiles from fluorescent microscopy data collected from green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter cells. This technique forms a generalisation of a method that has recently been introduced for monitoring NF-κB profiles. The contribution made in this work is that the assumption that the transcription factor profile exhibits damped oscillations is relaxed, as transcription factors, other than the previously investigated NF-κB, may exhibit different profiles. This is achieved by investigating a variety of potential profiles and solving the inverse problem for the model describing transcription, translation and activation of GFP for each one. The transcription factor profile that results in the best fit among the potential candidates, for the measured fluorescent intensity data, is then chosen as the most likely concentration profile. The technique is illustrated in two detailed case studies, where one case study involves simulation data whereas the other one uses experimentally derived fluorescent intensity data.
Optical and infrared spectra of thermally annealed Pb-implanted SiO2 glasses

Infrared reflectance between 4000 and 100 cm{sup {minus}1} and optical spectra between 1.8 and 6.2 eV of high purity silica implanted with nominal doses of 1, 3 and 6 {times} 10{sup 16} Pb ions/cm{sup 2} were recorded before and after annealing at 400, 600, and 800C for 1 hour. Curve resolution analysis of the Si-O stretching region resulted in six peaks which were characterized by their lineshape parameters. The oscillator strength of the ion induced defect peak at 1035 cm{sup {minus}1} was found to depend on ion dose. The defect band at 1035 cm{sup {minus}1} decreased to an intensity comparable to that of the unimplanted glass after thermal annealing for 1 hour at 800C. Far infrared spectra indicated the formation of lead silicate particles after annealing.
Interaction of the Bifunctional Lewis Acid 1,2-Bis(chloromercurio)tetrafluorobenzene with Aldehydes, Nitriles, and Epoxides

The formation of adducts involving the bidentate Lewis acid 1,2-bis(chloromercurio)tetrafluorobenzene (1) and small electron rich organic molecules has been investigated. Compound 1 does not form stable adducts with aliphatic aldehydes and can be crystallized in base-free form from acetaldehyde. The X-ray crystal structure of 1 reveals the existence of a highly cross-linked supramolecular structure in which the individual molecules are associated by Hg···Cl and Hg···F interactions. By contrast, 1 forms an adduct (2) with benzaldehyde. In this adduct, the benzaldehyde molecule acts as a terminal ligand and coordinates one of the mercury centers through the formation of a long Hg−O bond of 2.68(1) A. The supramolecular structure of 2 is that of a layered compound in which the monomers are held by numerous intermolecular Hg···Cl and Hg···F contacts. Arene−fluoroarene interactions are also present and involve the aromatic ring of benzaldehyde, which stacks with neighboring tetrafluorophenylene units (centroid...
A review of Podapolipus (Acari: Podapolipidae) from Coleoptera and description of two new species from the united states

Abstract Twelve species of Podapolipus (Acari: Podapolipidae) are known as ectoparasites of Coleoptera. Two new species, P. prasadi from Oregon and P. alumniae from Hawaii Island, are described and compared with related Podapolipus spp. from tenebrionid, curculionid and dermestid beetles. Keys to males and larval females are presented.
Mechanical responses of chromium-deficient developing rat heart

Abstract Mechanical responses were compared between controls, developing Sprague-Dawley rat papillary muscle and age-matched weanlings fed with Torula yeast, a food source deficient in chromium. At 8 weeks postnatal, deficient rats differed in significant ways from their normal counterparts. Deficient rats in contrast to controls weighed less, their interval-force (I-F) relationship was more negative and their inotropic response to high calcium concentrations was greater. At this time, however, deficient and control rats responded equally to α (phenylephrine) and β (isoproterenol) agonists. At 10 weeks of age, the controls exhibited a less negative I-F and a negative inotropic response to high calcium concentrations while the response to α and β agonists was unchanged. In contrast, at 10 weeks of age, the chromium-deficient rats exhibited a highly negative I-F response and significant inotropic response to high calcium concentrations. The response of the deficient hearts to β-agonists diminished. At 13 weeks postnatal, control hearts showed only a 10–15% negative I-F response, a persistent response to catecholamines and negative inotropic responses to high calcium concentrations. In deficient hearts, the negative I-F response was reduced and the response to β-agonists was further diminished but a positive inotropic response to phenylephrine and high calcium concentrations persisted. These observations in deficient animals are explained in terms of a retarded development of the calcium handling elements in the heart and a lack of an insulin-like growth factor.
BENEFITS OF LAPAROSCOPY AND THE JONES TECHNIQUE FOR THE NONPALPABLE TESTIS

AbstractPurpose: We report on the role of diagnostic laparoscopy combined with the Jones suprainguinal approach to orchiopexy in the treatment of abdominal testes.Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was done of 209 boys with 265 cryptorchid testes who underwent orchiopexy between January 1994 and March 1996. A subset of patients with nonpalpable testis underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and according to the laparoscopic findings either standard inguinal or suprainguinal extraperitoneal orchiopexy.Results: Of 209 patients 47 had 63 impalpable testes. Laparoscopy was done on 31 patients (42 testes). Findings at laparoscopy revealed 29 (69%) abdominal, 7 (17%) intracanalicular and 6 (14%) vanishing testes. A satisfactory result with scrotal position of the testis and no atrophy was obtained in 18 of 19 patients operated via the Jones approach combined with diagnostic laparoscopy. The only patient with unsatisfactory result underwent ligation of the spermatic vessels at the time of operation. In contr...
Abstract 5194: Heterogenous expression of chemokine receptors in primary patient-derived GBM lines; association of CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR7 with a slow cycling sub-population

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL WHO class IV glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most malignant and aggressive forms of primary brain tumors and despite multimodal treatments patients have modest survival rates. The poor prognosis and therapy resistance of glioblastoma are believed to be a consequence of a subpopulation of glioma stem-like cells. As such, targeting functions associated with this cell population is likely to yield new therapeutic strategies. Roles for CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR7 in glioblastoma are well documented although previously published studies involved primarily the characterization of glioma cell lines grown in the presence of serum. Our studies were undertaken to understand the roles of chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7, and their ligands CXCL11 and CXCL12, in modulating glioblastoma stem-like cell functions. Tumors xenografts developed from patient-derived primary GBM cells cultured as gliomaspheres in serum-free conditions expressed CXCR4, CXCR7, CXCL11, and CXCL12 in a manner similar to expression patterns of these genes in human GBM tissues. Flow cytometry analysis of CXCR4 and CXCR7 on various patient-derived primary GBM lines indicated marked heterogenous expression of these receptors. Variable percentages of CXCR4+, CXCR7+, and CXCR4+/CXCR7+ (double positive) populations were evident. In contrast, chemokine receptors CCR3 and CXCR3 were co-expressed on a small but similar percentage of cells in all cell lines. RT-PCR indicated that all lines expressed CXCL11 while none expressed CXCL12. A slow cycling sub-population of cells, which express stem-like cell markers and exhibit high tumorigenic frequencies, were enriched for CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR7. CXCR4+ and CXCR7+ subpopulations were capable of forming spheres in serum-free culture conditions and exhibited plasticity in regenerating the cellular heterogeneity of their parental phenotype. In addition, both CXCR4+ and CXCR7+ cells were able to initiate the formation of intracranial tumors. In vitro functional studies showed that while CXCL12, but not CXCL11, stimulated the migration of GBM cell lines, both of these ligands were able to promote short-term proliferation. Collectively, the results suggest that CXCR4 and CXCR7 may regulate the stem-like properties of GBM cells. The high degree of heterogeneity in CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression both within and between glioblastomas suggests that personalized treatment of glioblastoma patients using selective antagonists that target CXCR4 and CXCR7 may need to consider the complex expression patterns and specific functions of these receptors. 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 5194. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5194
Revision surgery for vertigo

When confronted with vertigo after an otologic procedure, a surgeon first must identify the functional status of the inner ear by performing auditory and vestibular testing. Using this information in conjunction with knowledge of the primary disease process for which the initial procedure was performed, the surgeon can make a rational selection of the procedure required to eliminate vertigo. This article outlines a systematic approach to the selection of the appropriate revision procedure and discusses the specific advantages and disadvantages of these procedures used to control vertigo.
Effect of tributary inflows on the distribution of trace metals in fine- grained bed sediments and benthic insects of the Clark Fork River, Montana

The effect of tributary inflows on metal concentrations in <63-μm sediments and benthic insects was examined on two scales (380 km and <2 km) in a river impacted by mining. A dilution−mixing model effectively described large-scale dispersion of Cd, Cu, and Pb in the sediments of the river. Input of metal from contaminated flood plains may introduce additional contamination in the middle reaches of the river. Intensive sampling around the confluences of two tributaries showed that there were significant, localized decreases in some metal concentrations immediately downstream of the inflows. Sediment metal concentrations 1 km below the inflows returned to values within the range predicted by the dilution−mixing model. Metal concentrations in benthic insects exhibited spatial patterns similar to those of the sediments, indicating that biological exposures to metals are at least partially dependent on the physical processes controlling the dispersion of sediment-bound metals. Tributary inflows introduce varia...
A microcomputer-controlled data-acquisition system for internal flow testing☆

Abstract This article explains the use of a microcomputer in a data-acquisition and experiment-control system employed for internal flow testing in a turbomachinery laboratory. The system, assembled at low cost, has been found to be highly flexible in its application to a variety of research test rig requirements. Information concerning the system structure, and descriptions of system components and interaction, are presented.
Comparison of Procainamide Analyses in Plasma by Spectrophotofluorometry, Colorimetry, and GLC

Abstract: A procedure for analysis of procainamide in plasma based on the reaction of procainamide with fluorescamine was developed. The accuracy and precision of results obtained using this method were compared to those of results obtained using colori- metric and GLC methods. The utility of the three procedures in the routine determination of procainamide in plasma is discussed.
The Role of Carotenols in Growth and Reproduction in the Fowl

Abstract INTRODUCTION DURING the study of the metabolism of the carotenoid pigments in the fowl (Peterson, Hughes and Payne, 1939) the influence of carotenols on growth and reproduction was observed. The results obtained were in agreement with those reported by Palmer and Kempster (1919), Karrer, Schopp and Morf (1932), and Kline, Schultze and Hart (1932), showing that carotenols possess no vitamin A activity. This is the view generally accepted although there are reports in the literature indicating that there might be some vitamin A activity in the carotenol fraction. During the metabolism studies mentioned above, Single Comb White Leghorn chicks hatched from eggs laid by hens fed a carotenoid-free diet (Table 1) were used to determine whether or not carotenols possessed vitamin A activity. By the use of these hens the results were protected against influence by a store of carotenols in the eggs from which the chicks hatched. Approximately 150 . . .
Pressure History of some Iron Meteorites

X-ray diffraction and metallographic investigation show iron meteorites shock at pressures of at least 130 kbar
Degrading Content and Character Sex: Accounting for Men and Women’s Differential Reactions to Pornography

This study examines sex differences in arousal to non‐violent sexually explicit videos and viewers’ perceptions of the character traits that distinguish degrading from non‐degrading content. Men and women were exposed to either neutral, erotic or nonviolent pornographic video clips then administered a questionnaire assessing subjective arousal and perceptions of male and female characters. Nonviolent pornographic videos were characterized by perceptions of female degradation and male aggression. Comparably assertive male and female characters and male affection distinguished erotic videos. Whereas men reported more arousal to the degrading videos than did women, responses to the erotic videos were comparable. These findings support the feminist perspective that nonviolent pornography cultivates arousal to depictions of male aggression and female degradation among male viewers.
Theory of current and shot-noise spectroscopy in single-molecular quantum dots with a phonon mode

Using the Keldysh nonequilibrium Green function technique, we study the current and shot-noise spectroscopy of a single-molecular quantum dot coupled to a local phonon mode. It is found that in the presence of electron-phonon coupling, in addition to the resonant peak associated with the single level of the dot, satellite peaks with the separation set by the frequency of phonon mode appear in the differential conductance. In the ``single-level'' resonant-tunneling region, the differential shot-noise power exhibits two split peaks. However, only single peaks show up in the ``phonon-assisted'' resonant-tunneling region. An experimental setup to test these predictions is also proposed.
Stimulus complexity modulates contrast response functions in the human middle temporal area (hMT

Abstract The brain systems that support motion perception are some of the most studied in the primate visual system, with apparent specialization in the middle temporal area (hMT + in humans, MT or V5 in monkeys). Even with this specialization, it is safe to assume that the hMT + interacts with other brain systems as visual tasks demand. Here we have measured those interactions using a specialized case of structure-from-motion, point-light biological motion. We have measured the BOLD-contrast response functions in hMT + for translating and biological motion. Even after controlling for task and attention, we find the BOLD response for translating motion to be largely insensitive to contrast, but the BOLD response for biological motion to be strongly contrast dependent. To track the brain systems involved in these interactions, we probed for brain areas outside of the hMT + with the same contrast dependent neural response. This analysis revealed brain systems known to support form perception (including ventral temporal cortex and the superior temporal sulcus). We conclude that the contrast dependent response in hMT + likely reflects stimulus complexity, and may be evidence for interactions with shape-based brain systems.
The World Distribution of Income: Falling Poverty and … Convergence, Period

We estimate the World Distribution of Income by integrating individual income distributions for 138 countries between 1970 and 2000. Country distributions are constructed by combining national accounts GDP per capita to anchor the mean with survey data to pin down the dispersion. Poverty rates and head counts are reported for four specific poverty lines. Rates in 2000 were between one-third and one-half of what they were in 1970 for all four lines. There were between 250 and 500 million fewer poor in 2000 than in 1970. We estimate eight indexes of income inequality implied by our world distribution of income. All of them show reductions in global inequality during the 1980s and 1990s.
Quinones as reagents for the dehydrogenation of cholesteryl acetate to pro‐vitamin D

1,4-Quinones, when heated with cholesteryl acetate in sealed tubes at 120 to 135° for 6 to 8 hours, were found to partially dehydrogenate the sterol ester to a pro-vitamin D (probably 7-dehydro-cholesteryl acetate). The crude products, after the removal of hydroquinones, quinhydrones and unreacted quinones, were irradiated for 4 hours with ultraviolet light produced by a quartz-mercury lamp and were found to acquire antirachitic properties. 1,2-Quinones, when used in the above reaction, gave doubtful results. Aliphatic and aromatic di-ketones, such as diacetyl, benzil, anthraquinone and phenanthroquinone, were not able to dehydrogenate the sterol ester to pro-vitamin D, since their products, after irradiation, acquired no antirachitic properties.
A root observation and sampling chamber (rhizotron) for pot studies

A plant root observation chamber (rhizotron) was designed to examine soil-grown roots under a stereomicroscope and to sample roots and soil during the growth period of a pot study. The mini-rhizotrons are inexpensive to construct and are suitable for replicated, multitreatment experiments. Illustrative data on root hair and lateral development are presented for seedlings of four crop species.
Droplet nuclei in non-precipitating clouds: composition and size matter

The composition of cloud droplet nuclei was compared to the composition of ambient aerosol particles in non-precipitating clouds in different regions. Single-particle electron microscope techniques were used to identify particle types. The smallest particles (<0.2 µm diameter) exhibited a dependence of composition on nucleating ability, with salts (chlorides and sulfates of Na, K, Ca and Mg) being preferred nuclei types, followed by ammonium sulfates and organics. Crustal and industrial metals were less likely to be incorporated into cloud droplets. However, for experiments where only larger particles were sampled, a weaker dependence on composition was found. This suggests that larger particles have sufficient soluble material to nucleate despite their primary type. Both size and composition seem to be important, with composition becoming increasingly important as smaller particles activate at higher supersaturations in the cloudy environment.
Evaluation of Soybean Differentials for Their Interaction with Phytophthora sojae

Soybean lines, each containing a different resistance gene (Rps), are used as differentials to characterize isolates of Phytophthora sojae as physiologic races. Surveys in different soybean production regions have used various sets of soybean differentials thought to carry the same Rps genes. In some instances, isolates of P. sojae have been reported to have different reactions when evaluated in labs using different sets of differentials that were believed to have the same Rps gene. The objective of this study was to compare the consistency of racial classification when three different sets of soybean differentials were challenged with a common set of five races of P. sojae from Ohio and Indiana. Three soybean differential sets (USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection, The Ohio State University, and USDA-ARS Purdue University) were challenged with P. sojae using the hypocotyl inoculation test at OSU and USDA-ARS Purdue. Isolates of races 1, 3, 4, 7, and 25 from Ohio and Indiana had the same reaction on all three sets of soybean differentials for Rps1b, Rps1c, Rps1k, Rps3a, Rps3b, Rps3c, Rps6, Rps7, and on differentials Harlon, Harosoy 12xx, L59-731, and Union for Rps1a. L88-8470 used as a differential for Rps1a and L93-3312 used for Rps1d did not have the expected response. Isolates of races 4 and 25 from Ohio and Indiana responded differently on differentials with the Rps2 gene because this gene was not used previously to characterize races of P. sojae. A similar reaction occurred when differentials with Rps4 and Rps5 were inoculated with isolates of races 1 and 7, respectively. A standardized set of soybean differentials, corresponding to different maturity groups, for thirteen of the fourteen Rps genes is recommended.
Nitric oxide complexes of iron(II) and iron(III) porphyrins

The reversible formation of a nitric oxide adduct with tetraphenylporphyriniron(III) chloride formulated as [FeII(TPP)Cl–NO+] is observed in toluene, but reductive nitrosylation to give FeII(TPP)·NO occurs in the presence of a hydroxylic solvent, in reactions analogous to hemeprotein interactions with nitric oxide.
The limits of Gibbs' “central notion”

(1990). The limits of Gibbs' “central notion”. The Social Science Journal: Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 57-63.