cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamic complications in tetralogy of Fallot after pulmonary valvectomy or infundibulectomy (Brock procedure).

Abstract The ultimate goal in treatment of the tetralogy of Fallot is correction of the basic anatomic defects and establishment of normal cardiophysiologic function. The creation of an aortopulmonic communication suggested by Blalock and Taussig 1 and Potts 2 usually results in improved cardiophysiologic function. Relief of the pulmonary stenosis by valvotomy or infundibular resection as proposed and subsequently reported by Brock, Campbell and associates 3–5 corrects one of the anatomic defects. In a group of 25 patients with Fallot's tetralogy operated upon at the University of Kansas Medical Center by pulmonary valvectomy or infundibulectomy, 3 individuals have had serious postoperative hemodynamic complications. The present communication reports these in detail and their physiologic explanation.
Enhancement of Tribological Performance of 6061 Aluminum Alloy by Second Phase Hardening via Friction Stir Processing

The properties of metallic alloys can be substantial modified by the addition of a second phase particles. This is especially noticeable when hard particles are incorporated in a relatively soft matrix, often resulting in improved mechanical and tribological performance. This paper presents the results of our study on mechanical and tribological performance enhancement of 6061 Aluminum alloys by incorporation of B4 C particle via Friction stir processing (FSP). Unidirectional ball on flat friction and wear tests were conducted with a base material, friction stir processed 6061-Al and 6061-Al doped with B4 C particles via FSP against 52100 bearing steel balls under dry sliding conditions. The incorporation of particles not only reduced friction by 30% but also reduced wear by 2 orders of magnitude compared to unprocessed base and FSP material without particles incorporation. FSP alone without particles addition did not have a significant effect on the tribological behavior of the tested aluminum alloy.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Nature of brittle-to-ductile transition in UO2-20 wt% PuO2 nuclear fuel

Abstract The four-point bend test was used to determine the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature Tc in a mechanically blended UO2-20 wt% PuO2 fuel as a function of strain-rate e (0.085–0.73 h−1), and volume-fraction porosity P (0.034–0.12). Tc was located at about half the melting temperature on the absolute scale, and increased as the strain rate increased according to the relation T c (°C) = 5.5×10 4 28.6− ln e −273 , and decreased with an increase in porosity, according to the relation T c (°C) = 1487−1588 P . Brittle fracture originated at existing surface flaws, and, therefore, crack propagation was the important process. A reduction in fracture toughness was achieved by increasing the strain rate. Pores can act as “crack blunting” agents, and the effect of blunting partly offsets the reduction in strength due to a decrease in load-bearing surface. High-temperature deformation was described by the conventional Arrhenius expression, and the implication was that grain-boundary sliding was responsible for the enhanced ductility of the mixed oxide about 100 °C above Tc. The results are discussed relative to an in-reactor fuel-cracking model.
Differential suppression of organophosphorus resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus by the synergists IBP, DEF, and TPP

Abstract Organophosphorus (OP) resistance in a population of Culex quinquefasciatus from California is associated with elevated levels of an esterase (Est-2). Exposure of OP-resistant larvae to the synergists IBP (S-benzyl O,O-diisopropyl phosphorothioate), DEF (S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate), and TPP (triphenyl phosphate) decreased the esterase activity to α- and β-naphthyl acetate to or below the level found in the unsynergized susceptible strain. The OP-resistant strain was crossed to a homozygous susceptible strain and the F1 progeny were backcrossed to the susceptible parent. The progeny from this backcross were selected for insecticide resistance. This was repeated for seven generations of backcrosses with insecticide selection at the LC50 level, so that the genetic background of the resistant (R) strain became essentially equivalent to that of the S. The seventh selected generation was allowed to breed to establish a colony of known R gene frequency that was checked by esterase assays. Selection of this population over three generations with temephos, malathion, or IBP + temephos at the 80% mortality level increased the R gene frequency. But selection with IBP + malathion decreased the R gene frequency at a rate similar to that of the unselected population. Selection of homozygous-resistant individuals with IBP + temephos and IBP + malathion increased the levels of resistance to the selecting agents slightly (2- to 5-fold). This is associated with an increase in tolerance to IBP of 1.7-fold. If the selective disadvantage associated with the R gene under IBP + malathion selection pressure is also manifest in field populations then IBP + malathion mixtures may be of practical value.
Paving the way--providing opportunities for Native American students.

Dr. Thomas Sequist writes that Native Americans face enormous obstacles to pursuing careers in medicine. They represent only 0.3 percent of students entering medical school, even though they account for nearly 2 percent of the U.S. population.
Application of the chiral poisoning strategy: Enantioselective Diels-Alder catalysis with a racemic Ru/BINAP-monoxide Lewis acid

A chiral poisoning strategy has been applied to the [(′)-p-cymeneRuCl(BINPO)]SbF 6 (′1) catalyst system for the asymmetric Diels-Alder reaction between methacrolein and cyclopentadiene to produce enantioenriched exo-2-methylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxaldehyde. When ′1 was mixed with AgSbF 6 , the dicationic Lewis acid [(′)-p-cymeneRu-(H 2 O)(BINPO)](SbF 6 ) 2 (′2) was generated. The additions of a number of chiral poisons (P * = enantiopure ligand) were found to deactivate one of the enantiomers of the catalyst with varied levels of selectivity. The most effective chiral poison was either L-proline or L-prolinamide. In catalytic trials with L-proline, an ee of up to 54% was observed. In the case where a stoichiometric amount of (′)-Ru/methacrolein reacted in the presence of L-prolinamide, the DA product was obtained with ee = 60% (S), de = 96% (exo), and 92% conversion.
Fractionated Crystallization and Morphology in Binary Blends of Isotactic PP and HDPE with Cycloolefin Copolymers

Abstract Crystallization of binary blends of semi-crystalline polyolefins (i-polypropylene and HD-polyethylenes) and amorphous cycloolefin copolymers (COC) was followed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Blend morphologies were investigated by Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM). The thermal behavior and morphology of iPP–COC blends are characteristic of immiscible blends. The two crystallization exotherms observed on cooling from the melt were explained in terms of fractionated crystallization. This phenomenon occurs when iPP inclusions are finely dispersed in the COC matrix so that their number is much greater than the number of heterogeneities originally present in the bulk polymer, resulting in the suppression of the heterogeneous nucleation. A quite different behavior is observed in PE–COC blends. DSC and DMTA results show a significant decrease of both PE Tm and COC Tg, observations usually associated to some polymer miscibility in the amorphous phase. The crystallization mode and the resu...
D-4F Induces Heme Oxygenase-1 and Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase, Decreases Endothelial Cell Sloughing, and Improves Vascular Reactivity in Rat Model of Diabetes

Background— Apolipoprotein A1 mimetic peptide, synthesized from D-amino acid (D-4F), enhances the ability of HDL to protect LDL against oxidation in atherosclerotic animals. Methods and Results— We investigated the mechanisms by which D-4F provides antioxidant effects in a diabetic model. Sprague-Dawley rats developed diabetes with administration of streptozotocin (STZ). We examined the effects of daily D-4F (100 μg/100 g of body weight, intraperitoneal injection) on superoxide (O2−), extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD), vascular heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2) levels, and circulating endothelial cells in diabetic rats. In response to D-4F, both the quantity and activity of HO-1 were increased. O2− levels were elevated in diabetic rats (74.8±8×103 cpm/10 mg protein) compared with controls (38.1±8×103 cpm/10 mg protein; P<0.01). D-4F decreased O2− levels to 13.23±1×103 (P<0.05 compared with untreated diabetics). The average number of circulating endothelial cells was higher in diabetics (50±6 cells/...
Goodness of Prediction Fit for Multivariate Linear Models

Abstract Using both frequentist and Bayesian techniques, predicting densities are derived for future observations from a multivariate linear model with matrix normal error terms. All the candidates belong to a general location-scale family of predicting densities. An analytic comparison is undertaken, using a Kullback—Leibler loss, by citing an optimal member of a subclass including most of these predicting densities as members. The subclass is based on an invariant Student-t random matrix, and the optimal member is the Bayesian predictive density corresponding to a Jeffreys noninformative prior. Information-based numerical comparisons illustrate the nature of the dominance.
Meynert cells in the primate visual cortex.

The solitary cells of Meynert are distinguished by their specific location in layer V of the striate cortex, very large size, argyrophilia, and the profusion of neurofilaments in their dendrites and perikarya. They occur with greater frequency in the macular region of the cortex, spaced a minimal distance of 110 μm apart, at a maximum density of about 8000/cm2. In the perifoveal cortex, Meynert cells are spaced about 400 μm apart and packed at a density of approximately 625/cm2. Each Meynert cell has an apical dendrite and many large basal dendrites. The perikaryon and primary segments of all dendrites are spine-free; however, more distally a total of 36000 spines are present, differentially disposed upon the dendritic surfaces. The basal dendrites bear over 77% of the spines on the Meynert cell, although they account for only 66% of the total length of the dendritic arborization. The first part of the apical dendrite is the most densely decorated with appendages, accounting for almost 10% of the spines on the whole dendritic tree. The apical dendrite becomes progressively less spiny as it passes through the superficial part of layers IV and III; less than 2.5% of the total number of spines of the Meynert cell project from this part of the apical dendrite. When the dendrite reaches layer II it bursts into an umbel of rapidly tapering branches. These are highly spinose, accounting for 8–13% of the cell's total, dispersed over only 23% of the linear dendritic length. It is suggested that this differential distribution of thorns can be correlated with the axonal inputs in the various cortical layers, and that the Meynert cell is designed to receive maximal information from layers I and II, and from layers V and VI, which are sources mainly of intracortical inputs. Thus the Meynert cell may be principally concerned with integrative information. In the perifoveal cortex, the basal dendrites of adjacent Meynert cells overlap considerably, and the apical terminal bouquet dendrites do not. In the macular cortex, because of the increased frequency of these neurons, both basal and apical terminal dendritic fields overlap. A model is developed to illustrate these hypotheses.
Estimations of Fish Population Size and Sampling Efficiency of Electrofishing and Rotenone in Two Kentucky Tailwaters

Abstract Two mark-and-recapture techniques were used to estimate the size of fish populations in tailwaters below two flood-control reservoirs. The use of electrofishing for both mark and recapture was generally unsuccessful. Capture of fish by electroshocker for marking and rotenone for recapture was more successful but was influenced by handling mortality and site selection. Capture efficiency of electrofishing ranged from 5 to 54% for eight species while capture efficiency for rotenone ranged from 36 to 100%. This study illustrates the difficulty of obtaining valid population estimates for multi-species, riverine fish communities.
Can complex structures be generically stable in a noisy world

Toom's "NEC" cellular automaton is a simple model or dynamical "rule" that succeeds in producing two-phase coexistence generically, i.e., over a nonzero fraction of its two-dimensional parameter space. This paper reviews and explains the behavior of the NEC rule and discusses the implications of the rule for the generic stabilization of complex structures. Much of the discussion is based on work performed almost twenty years ago by Charles Bennett and the author.
Influences of mycelial fungi on soil aggregation and organic matter storage in conventional and no-tillage soils

Abstract Soil microbial community composition, aggregation and organic matter (SOM) content can be markedly influenced by tillage and crop management practices. This study was undertaken to determine to what extent differences in populations of mycelial fungi in conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT) soils contribute to soil aggregation and soil organic matter storage. Fungicide (Captan) and control treatments were established in long-term CT and NT plots on a well-drained Hiwassee sandy clay loam soil (clayey kaolinitc thermic Rhodic Kanhapludult). The effects of these treatments on total and FDA-active fungal hyphal lengths, total bacteria (0–15 cm) and in situ soil respiration rates were measured at approximately monthly intervals. Soil carbohydrates and water-stable aggregate (WSA) distributions were quantified on the final sample date. Surface soil (0–5 cm) of NT had more macroaggregates (> 250 μm diam) and 1.30 to 1.46 times higher densities of fungal mycelia as compared to CT soils. The higher populations of fungal mycelia corresponded to a nearly two-fold higher concentration of acid-hydrolysable carbohydrates, which were composed of proportionally more microbial- than plant-derived sugars. Treatment with the fungicide resulted in a 40% reduction in > 2000 μm WSA and lower concentrations of carbohydrates in NT surface soils, but had no significant effects in CT soils. The contributions of fungi to aggregate stability may represent an important biotically-regulated mechanism for the protection of soil organic matter and may help to explain the greater retention of soil organic carbon in NT than in CT soils.
Differences in vascular reactivity in models of ischemic acute renal failure

Differences in vascular reactivity in models of ischemic acute renal failure. To determine the mechanism of observed differences in vasore-activity in norepinephrine-induced (NE) and renal artery clamp (RAC) models of ischemic acute renal failure (ARF), induction renal blood flow (RBF) was measured and vascular reactivity examined one week thereafter in NE- and RAC-ARF rat kidneys that had identical levels of renal dysfunction. Morphology also was compared at 48 hours and one week. In NE-ARF, RBF was 14% during 90 minutes of induction and by 60 minutes post-NE infusion was only 18% of baseline. In contrast, in RAC-ARF RBF was effectively 0 for 75 minutes but returned to 95% of baseline by 60 minutes after clamp release. At one week there was a paradoxical increase in renovascular resistance (RVR) to renal perfusion pressure (RPP) reduction in the autoregulatory range and an augmented vasoconstriction to renal nerve stimulation (RNS) in NE-ARF, but no change in RVR and minimal reduction in RBF to these same respective stimuli in RAC-ARF (both different at P 2 ) in NE- was similar to sham-ARF, but there was an attenuated response in RAC-ARF kidneys (P
Microstructure and texture of pitch-based ribbon fibers for thermal management

Abstract The textures and microstructures of three different experimental mesophase pitch-based ribbon fibers were studied using the complementary techniques of scanning and transmission electron microscopy and wide angle X-ray diffraction. The effect of mesophase pitch precursor and capillary entry design on the structure and heat transfer capabilities of these ribbon-shaped fibers was investigated. It was found that ribbon fibers melt-spun from a synthetic, naphthalene-based mesophase had higher degrees of preferred orientation and graphitization, larger crystallite sizes and lower electrical resistivities than those of fibers melt-spun from a petroleum-based, heat-soaked mesophase. However, capillary entry design proved to be critical to the development of a more linear transverse texture and a structure that one might expect to be more conducive to axial heat transfer.
DNA-binding Domain within the Brh2 N Terminus Is the Primary Interaction Site for Association with DNA.

The C-terminal region of Brh2 (Brh2CT), the BRCA2 homolog in Ustilago maydis, is highly conserved and aligns with the DSS1/DNA-binding domain (DBD) of mammalian BRCA2, while the N-terminal region (Brh2NT) is poorly conserved and has no obvious functional domain except for the single Rad51-interacting BRC element. Paradoxically, Brh2NT, but not Brh2CT, complements the DNA repair and recombination deficiency of the brh2 mutant. We show here that Brh2NT exhibits an unexpected DNA binding activity with properties similar to that of the full-length protein. Deletion mapping localized the region responsible for the DNA binding activity to a stretch of residues between the BRC element and the canonical DBD. A heterologous DNA-binding domain from the large subunit of replication protein A substituted for the endogenous binding region within Brh2NT in supporting DNA repair. Rad51-promoted strand invasion was stimulated by Brh2NT, but required the presence of the BRC element. The findings suggest a model in which Brh2NT serves as the principal site for association with DNA, while the Brh2CT provides a means for regulation.
Synthetic polypeptide metabolism—IV in vivo and in vitro degradation of poly(GLU52LYS33TYR15) in highly responding (ACIS) and poorly responding (F344) strains of rats

Abstract The amounts of poly(Glu 52 Lys 33 Tyr 15 ) persisting in the tissues of the highly responding ACI strain and of the poorly responding F344 strain were not significantly different: less than 1 per cent remained after 3 weeks in both strains. There was no correlation between the vitro degradation of antigen by splenic enzymes from the two strains and the ability of the strains to form antibody. Thus, antigen metabolism does not play a significant role in the genetically determined differences in the antibody response to an easily degradable antigen. In contrast, the poly(Glu 52 Lys 3 Tyr 15 )/MeBSA aggregate persists in the tissues and can provide a continual antigenic stimulation over a long period of time. This persistence plays an important role in the way in which aggregation of an antigen affects its ability to induce an immune response.
Use of clonidine and propranolol as monotherapy in borderline hypertension

The effect of clonidine (average 0.24 mg/day) and propranolol (average 105 mg/day) on home blood pressure readings in 16 patients with borderline hypertension was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo crossover design. Patients could detect small but significant decreases of blood pressure with both active compounds (-8/-5 with propranolol and -11/-7 with clonidine). The larger mean blood pressure decrease from clonidine vs propranolol was significant (p less than 0.015). Small doses of sympatholytic agents might control the blood pressure in patients with borderline hypertension, and the home blood pressure technique is a convenient tool to detect and monitor such changes. Biochemical predictors of the responsiveness to clonidine were investigated. There was no difference in placebo norepinephrine and renin values between better and lesser responders to clonidine. Plasma norepinephrine fell with clonidine treatment, but with no relationship to the blood pressure response. Plasma norepinephrine response to clonidine might reflect not only the central withdrawal of sympathetic tone, but also, in part, the effect of clonidine on peripheral presynaptic alpha 2-receptors.
Solar Neutrino Puzzle: An Oscillation Solution with Maximal Neutrino Mixing

If, as suggested by the Super-Kamiokande results, {nu}{sub {mu}} and {nu}{sub {tau}} are maximally and {open_quotes}rapidly{close_quotes} ({Delta}m{sup 2}{approx}2.2{times}10{sup {minus}3} eV{sup 2} ) mixed, this alone determines the mapping from current to mass eigenstates up to one rotation angle {theta} mixing {nu}{sub e} {open_quotes}more slowly{close_quotes} with a particular, equal-weight combination of {nu}{sub {mu}} and {nu}{sub {tau}} . For sinthinsp2{theta}=1 , the resulting minimal number of free parameters, yet maximal mixing, shows agreement, with minor modifications, between extant observations of solar neutrinos and predictions by the standard solar model. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Predictors of the use of supplemental androgen suppression therapy and external beam radiation in men with high-risk prostate cancer undergoing brachytherapy in community practice

Abstract Purpose We assessed clinical- and practice-related variables associated with the use of trimodality treatment (androgen suppression therapy, external beam radiation therapy, and brachytherapy) in a community-based cohort of men with high-risk prostate cancer. Methods and Materials The study cohort was composed of 1342 men with a prostate-specific antigen level >20 ng/mL, clinical tumor stage T3 or T4, and/or Gleason score 8–10 disease at two community radiation facilities, Chicago Prostate Cancer Center (Chicago PCC) and 21st Century Oncology (21C). Logistic regression multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors associated with trimodality treatment. Results Of 1342 men treated from 1991 to 2005, 650 (48%) received trimodality therapy. Factors associated with trimodality use include younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.95, p p p p p = 0.012), clinical category T3 (AOR 4.84, p p p p = 0.025), indicating that less healthy patients were more likely to receive trimodality treatment at 21C than healthy patients and vice versa at Chicago PCC. Conclusions Younger men and those with more aggressive pretreatment clinical factors were more likely to receive trimodality treatment in this community cohort of men with high-risk prostate cancer. Selection for trimodality use varied significantly by site indicating a need for treatment standardization in the community.
Posterior glottic stenosis

Posterior glottic stenosis in children is not uncommon and must be differentiated from vocal cord paralysis when there is posterior glottic fixation. Procedures aimed at increasing the airway lumen by tissue excision have not been uniformly successful. Chronic aspiration and poor voice results have been reported. Expansion of the posterior glottis yields excellent results. Tracheotomy decannulation without aspiration and return of vocal cord mobility in children who have vocal cord fixation with achievement of a functional voice can be expected from widening the laryngeal framework. Scar incision without excision reduces the denuded laryngeal surface. The laryngeal framework is widened by anterior and posterior cricoid split and by stenting. Posterior cartilage grafting reduces scar tissue build-up and the duration of stenting.
Angiojet thrombectomy for Blalock-Taussig shunt and pulmonary artery thrombus in an infant with tetralogy of fallot

We describe a new technique for treatment of shunt thrombosis in infants with complex anatomical defects. A 2-month-old girl with Tetralogy of Fallot underwent placement of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (MBTS) at day of life (DOL) 6 with revision at DOL 20. Following this surgery, the patient became hypotensive and hypoxic with new evidence of lack of flow through the MBTS on echocardiography. Angiography showed an occluded MBTS and right pulmonary artery with patent distal branches with normal pulmonary venous return. Balloon angioplasty was attempted but failed to fully recanalize the right pulmonary artery (RPA) and MBTS. An AngioJet catheter was then passed through the shunt and RPA to perform rheolyticthrombectomy. Subsequent angiogram showed a widely patent RPA and MBTS. An echocardiogram at 1-month post-thrombectomy showed a widely patent MBTS with continuous flow seen entering both branch pulmonary arteries. The AngioJet system for thrombectomy provides a viable option for complex thrombus removal in patients refractory to other methods.
Slip distribution of the 1985 Central Chile earthquake

Abstract Geodetic elevation changes record the deformation associated with the M s = 7.8, March 3, 1985, Central Chile earthquake. By summing elemental point sources in a half-space and employing a gradient technique with positivity constraints, we resolve the slip distribution on the dislocation surface. Most of the fault slip is concentrated on two patches at a depth between 30 and 40 km on a plane dipping 18° E. The patch containing the maximum slip is oriented parallel to the coast and is closely located to the reported hypocenter of the mainshock. The overall region of maximum slip (slip >- 2 m) is more than 140 km long and oriented N-S. The dislocation model obtained from the static field is in remarkable agreement with the mainshock location and aftershock distribution, moment release pattern from analysis of body and surface waves, and location and fault geometry of the main aftershock. The total moment derived from the dislocation model for the coseismic period is 1.6 ×10 28 dyn cm. Comparison of coastal uplift predicted by the model and observations associated with the previous large event in the region (August, 1906, M T = 8.4) suggests a possible variable rupture mode of the region. Estimations of the future crustal readjustment due to restressing and viscoelastic relaxation indicate a general subsidence over a broader area than the coseismically uplifted region. However, the maximum amplitude of the predicted postseismic elevation change is less than 10% of the maximum coseismic uplift. The proximity of the two patches of maximum slip to the aftershock areas of intermediate size thrust earthquakes in the region since 1971 suggests that these compressional events may represent slip prior to failure in the “weaker” updip region of the main asperities.
What Isn't Language?A Qualitative Study of the Role of the School Speech-Language Pathologist

Purpose: This study examined how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) carry out their roles in the schools. The focus was on language as a domain of specialization and roles relative to other remedi...
Anterior perineal sinus.

Each year we treat several patients with an anterior perineal sinus tract. They do not conform to commonly encountered perineal problems such as pilonidal disease, epidermal cysts, hidradenitis, fistulous abscess, or inflammatory bowel disease. In an effort to improve understanding of the problem and its clinical significance, we reviewed our practice records for the period from 1968 through 1988. Fifty-six patients underwent surgery for an anterior perineal sinus tract. In 31 patients, the clinical and pathologic condition defied classical diagnostic categorization. We have termed these lesions “anterior perineal sinuses.” Their clinical characteristics, treatment, and pathologic assessment form the body of this report. Male predominance (87 percent) and midlife presentation (average age, 44 years) characterized this group. Local symptoms were present from several weeks to several years prior to treatment. Local anesthesia (74 percent) and limited surgery (100 percent) resulted in complete healing in all patients (average, 7 weeks). A 15 percent recurrence rate was noted. The pathologic evaluation demonstrated acute and chronic dermal and subcutaneous inflammation. The etiology of this process remains uncertain. Its predominance along the median raphe suggests a congenital midline inclusion disorder.
Glucocorticoid receptor status is a principal determinant of variability in the sensitivity of non-small-cell lung cancer cells to pemetrexed.

Introduction: Pemetrexed is an S-phase targeted drug in front-line or maintenance therapy of advanced nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but methods are needed for predicting the drug response. Dexamethasone is typically administered the day before, the day of, and the day after pemetrexed. As dexamethasone strongly regulates many genes including p53 through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), we hypothesized that dexamethasone influences tumor response to pemetrexed. Methods: Eight nonsquamous NSCLC cell line models with varied p53 and GRα/GRβ status were used for gene expression and cell-cycle analyses and for loss- or gain-of-function experiments. Results: In three cell lines dexamethasone profoundly, but reversibly, suppressed the fraction of S-phase cells. Dexamethasone also reversibly repressed expression of thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase, which are primary targets of pemetrexed but are also quintessential S-phase enzymes as well as the S-phase–dependent expression of thymidine kinase 1. Dexamethasone also decreased expression of the major pemetrexed transporters, the reduced folate carrier and the proton coupled folate transporter. Only cells expressing relatively high GRα showed these dexamethasone effects, regardless of p53 status. In cells expressing low GRα, the dexamethasone response was rescued by ectopic GRα. Further, depletion of p53 did not attenuate the dexamethasone effects. The presence of dexamethasone during pemetrexed treatment protected against pemetrexed cytotoxicity in only the dexamethasone responsive cells. Conclusions: The results predict that in nonsquamous NSCLC tumors, reversible S-phase suppression by dexamethasone, possibly combined with a reduction in the drug transporters, attenuates responsiveness to pemetrexed and that GR status is a principal determinant of tumor variability of this response.
A single transmembrane site in the KCNE-encoded proteins controls the specificity of KvLQT1 channel gating

KCNEs are a family of genes encoding small integral membrane proteins whose role in governing voltage-gated potassium channel gating is emerging. Whether each member of this homologous family interacts with channel proteins in the same manner is unknown; however, it is clear that the functional effect of each KCNE on channel gating is different. The specificity of KCNE1 (minK) and KCNE3 control of activation of the potassium channel KvLQT1 maps to a triplet of amino acids within the KCNE transmembrane domain by chimera analysis. We now define the structural determinants of functional specificity within this triplet. The central amino acid of the triplet (Thr-58 of minK and Val-72 of KCNE3) is essential for the specific control of voltage-dependent channel activation characteristics of both minK and KCNE3. Using site-directed mutations that substitute minK and KCNE3 residues, we determined that a hydroxylated central amino acid is necessary for the slow sigmoidal activation produced by minK. The precise spacing of the hydroxyl group was required for minK-like activation. An aliphatic amino acid substituted at position 58 of minK is capable of reproducing KCNE3-like kinetics and voltage-independent constitutive current activation. The bulk of the central residue is another critical parameter, indicating precise positioning of this portion of the KCNE proteins within the channel complex. An intermediate phenotype produced by several smaller aliphatic-substituted mutants yields conditional voltage independence that is distinct from the voltage-dependent gating process, suggesting that KCNE3 traps the channel in a stable open state. From these results, we propose a model of KCNE-potassium channel interaction where the functional consequence depends on the precise contact at a single amino acid.
The Effects of Social and Technical Factors on User Satisfaction, Sense of Belonging and Knowledge Community Usage

Knowledge communities allow individuals to share knowledge and collaborate with each other based on common interests. The authors apply socio-technical theory as the overarching theoretical framework to propose a research model which posits that both technical factors system quality and information quality and social factors community governance and pro-sharing norms collectively influence user satisfaction, sense of belonging, and knowledge community usage. Survey data collected from members of a computer programming knowledge community show that community governance is an important social factor which affects users' perceptions of information quality, system quality, and pro-sharing norms. These factors in turn provide a nurturing atmosphere which results in increased user satisfaction, sense of belonging, and community usage. The implications for research and practice are discussed.
Rules for assortative mating in relation to selection for linear merit functions.

This study examined how assortative mating (without selection) based on linear combinations of two traits could be used to change genetic parameters so as to increase efficiency of selection. The efficiency of the Smith-Hazel index for improvement of multiple traits is a function of phenotypic and genetic variances and covariances, and of the relative economic values of the traits involved. Assortative mating is known to change genetic variances and covariances. Recursive formulae were derived to obtain these variances and covariances after t generations of assortative mating on linear combinations (mating rules) of phenotypic values for two traits, with a given correlation between mates. Selection efficiency after t generations of assortative mating without selection was expressed as a function of random mating genetic parameters, economic values, the mating rule, and the correlation between mates. Selection efficiency was maximized with respect to the coefficients in the mating rule. Because the objective function was nonlinear, a computer routine was used for maximizing it. Two cases were considered. When random mating heritabilities for the two traits were h X 2 =0.25 and h Y 2 =0.50, the genetic correlation rXY=-0.60, and the economic values were aX=3 and aY=1, continued assortative mating based on the optimal mating rule for 31 generations (with a correlation of 0.80 between mates) increased selection efficiency by 29%. Heritabilities changed to 0.38 and 0.66, respectively, and the genetic correlation became − 0.79. When h X 2 =0.60, h Y 2 =0.60, rXY=− 0.20, a1=1 and a2=1, 36 generations of continued assortative mating with the optimal mating rule increased the efficiency of selection by 17%, heritabilities became h X 2 = h Y 2 =0.71, and the genetic correlation changed to 0.25. Only three generations of assortative mating were required to change the sign of the genetic correlation.
Behavioral accounting research: Pathologies, paradigms and prescriptions

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to evaluate behavioral accounting research by analyzing the quantity and quality of its interactions with the more basic social sciences and with the more applied disciplines, and by contrasting these interaction patterns with those observed in another accounting research setting. The empiricism is based upon the technique of citation analysis. The qualitative interpretation of the results is that behavioral accounting research is pre-paradigmatic but progressing.
On the limiting behavior of Burger's equation

Abstract The limiting behavior as the viscosity goes to zero of the solution of the first boundary value problem for Burger's equation is considered. The method consists in identifying the solution of Burger's equation with the optimal control of an appropriate stochastic control problem.
Adaptive formation of a vic glycol dehydrogenase in aerobacter aerogenes

Abstract Glycerol is capable of inducing a vic glycol dehydrogenase in cells which were originally grown on a glucose or lactate medium. The rate of induced enzyme formation can be mesured by using a pyridine nucleotide analogue of DPN, deamino DPN, since the constitutive DPN-linked 1,2-propanediol dehydrogenase is incapable of reacting with this analogue. Detectable induced enzyme synthesis occurs after a lag of 15 min. The formation of induced enzyme is specifically dependent upon glycerol; other vic glycols and dihydroxyacetone are inert as inducers. The experimentally determined concentration of glycerol required for half maximal enzyme induction is 0.8·10 −2 M . Other necessary requirements for induced enzyme formation are a nitrogen source, and an energy source. Induced enzyme formation is inhibited by chloramphenicol, azaserine, potassium cyanide, sodium azide and dinitrophenol. The azaserine inhibition can be partially overcome by the aromatic amino acids but not by aliphatic amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, ribosides and ribotides.
Cause or Effect: Misregulation of microRNA Pathways in Neurodegeneration

During normal aging or neurodegenerative diseases, neuronal survival and function depend on protein homeostasis, which is regulated by multiple mechanisms, including the microRNA (miRNA) pathway. In different cells types, the absence of Dicer, a key miRNA processing enzyme, leads to neurodegeneration through cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms. Loss of certain miRNAs also causes neurodegeneration in some model organisms. On the other hand, miRNA expression is misregulated in patients with different neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, the miRNA pathway appears to be essential in the pathogenesis of several age-dependent neurodegenerative conditions; however, our understanding of the underlying mechanism remains rudimentary. The precise causal relationships between specific miRNAs and neurodegeneration in humans need to be further investigated.
Movement- and behavioral state-dependent activity of pontine reticulospinal neurons

Abstract Forty-five years ago Shik and colleagues were the first to demonstrate that electrical stimulation of the dorsal pontine reticular formation induced fictive locomotion in decerebrate cats. This supraspinal motor site was subsequently termed the “mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR)”. Cholinergic neurons of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT) have been suggested to form, or at least comprise in part, the neuroanatomical basis for the MLR, but direct evidence is lacking. In an effort to clarify the location and activity profiles of pontine reticulospinal neurons supporting locomotor behaviors, we employed in the present study a retrograde tracing method in combination with single-unit recordings and antidromic spinal cord stimulation as well as characterized the locomotor- and behavioral state-dependent activities of both reticulospinal and non-reticulospinal neurons. The retrograde labeling and antidromic stimulation responses suggested a candidate group of reticulospinal neurons that were non-cholinergic and located just medial to the PPT cholinergic neurons and ventral to the cuneiform nucleus (CnF). Unit recordings from these reticulospinal neurons in freely behaving animals revealed that the preponderance of neurons fired in relation to motor behaviors and that some of these neurons were also active during rapid eye movement sleep. By contrast, non-reticulospinal neurons, which likely included cholinergic neurons, did not exhibit firing activity in relation to motor behaviors. In summary, the present study provides neuroanatomical and electrophysiological evidence that non-cholinergic, pontine reticulospinal neurons may constitute the major component of the long-sought neuroanatomic MLR in mammals.
The White Industries Australia Limited – India bit Award: a Critical Assessment

In recent times, the White Industries – India Award[1][1] (BIT Award) has created quite a stir. In short, it holds India liable for damages for judicial delays of over nine years in enforcing an ICC Award between White Industries Australia Ltd. (White) and an Indian Government company, Coal India. The delay in enforcement by the Indian courts was held to deprive the Australian investor of ‘effective means of asserting claims and enforcing rights’ – an obligation contained in the Kuwait-India BIT, which the Tribunal held the Australian investor could take advantage of relying on the most favoured nation (MEN) clause in the bilateral investment treaty between Australia and India. The BIT Award has far reaching implications. At one level, it is an indictment of the Indian judicial system (as one not affording ‘effective means of asserting claims and enforcing rights’). At another, it opens the doors to disappointed foreign litigants to seek similar relief and make court delays and other judicial shortcomings actionable per se. The Award throws up jurisprudential issues of the role, responsibility and independence of national courts and brings into focus the future ofBITs and BIT arbitrations.[2][2] Some issues which come up are: if an arbitral award is an ‘investment’ under Bilateral Investment Treaties; does an MFN clause extend to incorporation of a third-party treaty; scope of the ‘effective means of asserting claims and enforcing rights’ clause – and more particularly if it furnishes a cause of action to an investor if the host country's judicial system and institutions fall short of an ‘objective international standard’. This article presents a critical analysis of the BIT Award and my views as to why it is erroneous and ought not to become a precedent in investment arbitrations. [1]: #fn-1 [2]: #fn-2
Aggression does not increase friendly contacts among bystanders in geladas (Theropithecus gelada)

Aggression within a social group may affect bystanders’ affinitive behaviour with other bystanders. After a conflict such affiliations, termed ‘quadratic’, may serve to reduce tension. This particular kind of conflict management has been found in hamadryas baboons. Following the classical and well-established approach for studying post-conflict behaviour [post-conflict/matched control method (PC/MC)], we collected behavioural data on a group of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in order to check for the presence of quadratic affiliations. A total of 192 PC/MC pairs were collected on both adults and immature individuals. We did not find any increase of affiliation levels between bystanders during PC compared with MC condition. The distribution of affinitive quadratic interactions was not affected by either kinship or relationship quality of bystanders. Moreover, comparison of yawning and self-scratching behaviours (two of the typical non-primate displacement activities under stressful situations) recorded during PCs and MCs did not show any variation in the two conditions. Probably, due to the male tolerance and social cohesiveness in geladas, witnessing a fight does not necessarily induce a sufficient increase of tension in bystanders to be reduced by quadratic affiliation.
Antigen presentation to HLA class II-restricted measles virus-specific T-cell clones can occur in the absence of the invariant chain.

Abstract A human fibroblast line expressing HLA-DR1 antigen on its surface was generated by transfection with DR alpha and DR beta cDNAs. Expression of the invariant chain gene was not detectable in the transfected fibroblasts and was not induced by infection with measles virus. Lysis of measles virus-infected cells occurred with DR1- but not with DR4-restricted measles virus-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) clones and was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody specific for DR antigen. Therefore, the invariant chain is not required for DR-restricted presentation of measles virus antigens by this fibroblast line. Transfected fibroblasts were lysed as efficiently as an autologous B-cell line even though they expressed much less surface DR antigen. Lysis of both the transfected fibroblasts and the B-cell line was insensitive to treatment with chloroquine. These results demonstrate that expression of a DR alpha beta heterodimer at the surface of this fibroblast line is necessary and sufficient for presentation of measles virus antigens to specific CTL clones.
Congenital Nephron Deficit and Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Congenitally low nephron number, often associated with low birth weight, has been shown to be a risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular disease in humans. Epidemiological studies have also linked it to development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) but this has been difficult to verify experimentally. Previously, we showed that rats with congenitally low nephron number did not develop CKD by 11 months of follow-up. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that animals with congenital nephron deficit have a higher risk for development of kidney disease when exposed to postnatal insults. Methods: Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to low protein (LP) versus control diet to induce decreased nephron numbers. Offspring from each group were either stressed by unilateral nephrectomy (UN) and high salt diet (HS), or exposed to standard salt diet and sham surgery. Results: Forty-two percent of stressed animals in both C and LP groups died of renal failure compared to no mortality in non-stressed animals (P = 0.0001). By 6 months of age, non-stressed LP animals did not develop significant renal disease. However, stressed LP animals had significant decrease in kidney function (P = 0.033), high albumin excretion (P = 0.012), and extensive renal histologic damage. The changes tended to be more severe in males. Conclusions: Congenital low nephron number in our model does not result in CKD by 6 months of life. However, they have increased risk for development of CKD when exposed to postnatal insults, and the risk depends on the severity of deficit. World J Nephrol Urol. 2013;2(2):47-54 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/wjnu112w
Comparison of partial body weight-supported treadmill gait training versus aggressive bracing assisted walking post stroke.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that partial body weight-supportcd treadmill training (PBWSTT) provides more effective gait training than an equally supportive but less physiologic aggressive bracing assisted walking (ABAW) program.Methods: Following informed consent, patients participating in an inpatient re habilitation program with significant leg weakness and need for at least moderate as sistance for walking, without orthostatic hypotension, symptomatic dyspnea, or angina pectoris were randomized to receive PBWSTT vs. ABAW. PBWSTT was provided by a commercially available, overhead motorized hoist attached to a parachute-type body harness, which provided partial support of the patient's weight over a treadmill. Ther apists assisted with weight shifting, leg advancement, and foot placement as needed. ABAW included aggressive early therapist-assisted ambulation using knee-ankle com bination bracing and hemi-bar if needed. Treatment sessions of up to 45 minutes per day, five days per week were given as t...
More Than Inspiration: Role Models Convey Multiple and Multifaceted Messages

In “Ingroup Experts and Peers as Social Vaccines Who Inoculate the Self-Concept: The Stereotype Inoculation Model,” Nilanjana Dasgupta (this issue) proposes a model that addresses how ingroup membe...