cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Guidelines for the clinical evaluation of occupational asthma due to high molecular weight (HMW) allergens: Report of the Subcommittee on the Clinical Evaluation of Occupational Asthma due to HMW allergens

Abstract Sensitization to HMW allergens is a relatively common immunopathogenic factor in occupational asthma. The mechanism of sensitization is an IgE-mediated, type I reaction. High molecular weight allergen refers to proteins and polymers of organic compounds over 5 kd and usually in the 20 to 50 kd range. In most cases diagnosis requires: 1.1. A high index of suspicion of job-related asthma. 2.2. Exposure to HMW compounds and clinical findings associated with such an exposure. 3.3. Confirmation of sensitization by appropriate in vitro or in vivo tests. 4.4. Confirmation of a pathogenic role by physiologic measurements in either a natural setting or during laboratory-controlled challenges.
Alfvén boundaries: Noses and zippers

Abstract On April 15, 1996, POLAR was in a noon-midnight meridional plane and observed an atypical energetic particle distribution, characterized by a band of nearly monochromatic 90° ions at 60 keV, and a second, nearly monochromatic band of of field-aligned ions around 40 keV. These ions persisted from L=7−3.5. Below L∼3.5 the bands vanished, but reappeared as the spacecraft exited the magnetosphere. The upper band is identified as a “nose” event, first described by Smith and Hoffman (1974). The bimodal distribution is reminiscent of “zipper” events discussed by Fennell et al. (1981), though this may be the most energetic zipper event ever described. After examining the solar wind monitor and ground stations, we develop a scenario to explain this distribution, where the nose ions injected from the plasmasheet produce a parallel electric field that extracts oxygen from the ionosphere. Although we lack the Dst, we hypothesize that we were observing a classical ∼−100 Dst magnetic storm, albeit from a new perspective. We generalize this observation by proposing that all storm injections involve intense nose events that produce parallel electric fields that populate the ring current with ionospheric oxygen.
The Essential Role of RIα in the Maintenance of Regulated PKA Activity

Cloning of the individual regulatory (R) and catalytic (C) subunits of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and expression of these subunits in cell culture have provided mechanistic answers about the rules for PKA holoenzyme assembly. One of the central findings of these studies is the essential role of the RI alpha regulatory subunit in maintaining the catalytic subunit under cAMP control. The role of RI alpha as the key compensatory regulatory subunit in this enzyme family was confirmed by gene knockouts of the three other regulatory subunits in mice. In each case, RI alpha has demonstrated the capacity for significant compensatory regulation of PKA activity in tissues where the other regulatory subunits are expressed, including brain, brown and white adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and sperm. The essential requirement of the RI alpha regulatory subunit in maintaining cAMP control of PKA activity was further corroborated by the knockout of RI alpha in mice, which results in early embryonic lethality due to failed cardiac morphogenesis. Closer examination of RI alpha knockout embryos at even earlier stages of development revealed profound deficits in the morphogenesis of the mesodermal embryonic germ layer, which gives rise to essential structures including the embryonic heart tube. Failure of the mesodermal germ layer in RI alpha knockout embryos can be rescued by crossing RI alpha knockout mice to C alpha knockout mice, supporting the conclusion that inappropriately regulated PKA catalytic subunit activity is responsible for the phenotype. Isolation of primary embryonic fibroblasts from RI alpha knockout embryos reveals profound alterations in the actin-based cytoskeleton, which may account for the failure in mesoderm morphogenesis at gastrulation.
Co-infection of long-term carriers of Plasmodium falciparum with Schistosoma haematobium enhances protection from febrile malaria: a prospective cohort study in Mali.

Background Malaria and schistosomiasis often overlap in tropical and subtropical countries and impose tremendous disease burdens; however, the extent to which schistosomiasis modifies the risk of febrile malaria remains unclear. Methods We evaluated the effect of baseline S. haematobium mono-infection, baseline P. falciparum mono-infection, and co-infection with both parasites on the risk of febrile malaria in a prospective cohort study of 616 children and adults living in Kalifabougou, Mali. Individuals with S. haematobium were treated with praziquantel within 6 weeks of enrollment. Malaria episodes were detected by weekly physical examination and self-referral for 7 months. The primary outcome was time to first or only malaria episode defined as fever (≥37.5°C) and parasitemia (≥2500 asexual parasites/µl). Secondary definitions of malaria using different parasite densities were also explored. Results After adjusting for age, anemia status, sickle cell trait, distance from home to river, residence within a cluster of high S. haematobium transmission, and housing type, baseline P. falciparum mono-infection (n = 254) and co-infection (n = 39) were significantly associated with protection from febrile malaria by Cox regression (hazard ratios 0.71 and 0.44; P = 0.01 and 0.02; reference group: uninfected at baseline). Baseline S. haematobium mono-infection (n = 23) did not associate with malaria protection in the adjusted analysis, but this may be due to lack of statistical power. Anemia significantly interacted with co-infection (P = 0.009), and the malaria-protective effect of co-infection was strongest in non-anemic individuals. Co-infection was an independent negative predictor of lower parasite density at the first febrile malaria episode. Conclusions Co-infection with S. haematobium and P. falciparum is significantly associated with reduced risk of febrile malaria in long-term asymptomatic carriers of P. falciparum. Future studies are needed to determine whether co-infection induces immunomodulatory mechanisms that protect against febrile malaria or whether genetic, behavioral, or environmental factors not accounted for here explain these findings.
Sensitive Detection of Nitroaromatics With Colloidal Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles

We observe more than two orders of magnitude enhancement of fluorescence quenching in colloidal conjugated polymer nanoparticles by nitroaromatic analytes compared to solution of the same polymer in organic solvents. This observation is surprising as the quantum efficiency of fluorescence of the polymer solution is significantly higher. The colloidal nanoparticle dispersions of substituted polythiophene derivative are fabricated by the surfactant-assisted mini-emulsion technique. Stern–Volmer constants are determined using both one-photon and two-photon excitation methods. We believe strong analyte–nanoparticle interaction results in the large value of the Stern–Volmer constants measured. The nanoparticle-based sensor described here is suitable for developing a field-based sensory device for detecting a broad class of nitroaromatics in solution.
Temporal pattern of parasitism-induced immunosuppression in Manduca sexta larvae parasitized by Cotesia congregata

Abstract Twenty-four hours after parasitization by the braconid parasitoid Cotesia congregata, Manduca sexta larvae showed a strong suppression of their encapsulation response to positively charged polysaccharide (Sephadex A-25) beads. In contrast, by 8 days post-parasitization, the frequency of encapsulation of injected beads was no longer distinguishable from that observed in nonparasitized controls. This pattern of induction of encapsulation suppression followed by recovery was temporally correlated with morphological abnormalities occurring in host hemocytes. The immunosuppressive and morphological hemocyte changes were mimicked by injection of unparasitized M. sexta larvae with filter-purified C. congregata polydnavirus, indicative of viral mediation of these changes. In transplantation experiments, unparasitized fourth-instar M. sexta larvae received first instar C. congregata larvae which had been excised from their original hosts 8 days post-parasitization. Half of these M. sexta larvae encapsulated the transplanted parasitoids, but died in the wandering stage. The remaining half of the larvae did not encapsulate the parasitoids, and exhibited growth inhibition and a failure to molt to the fifth instar. Transplanted parasitoids emerged and pupated from 43% of these larvae, all of which were developmentally arrested in the fourth instar. Thus, hosts exhibit a recovery of their hemocytic encapsulation capabilities over the course of parasitism, and the later stage parasitoids appear capable of avoiding the host immune response and completing development in the absence of the preconditioning effects of the polydnavirus, as well as other factors normally present in naturally parasitized hosts, such as ovarian proteins, venom, and teratocytes.
Molecular orientation distributions during injection molding of liquid crystalline polymers: Ex situ investigation of partially filled moldings

The development of molecular orientation in thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) during injection molding has been investigated using two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray scattering coordinated with numerical computations employing the Larson–Doi polydomain model. Orientation distributions were measured in “short shot” moldings to characterize structural evolution prior to completion of mold filling, in both thin and thick rectangular plaques. Distinct orientation patterns are observed near the filling front. In particular, strong extension at the melt front results in nearly transverse molecular alignment. Far away from the flow front shear competes with extension to produce complex spatial distributions of orientation. The relative influence of shear is stronger in the thin plaque, producing orientation along the filling direction. Exploiting an analogy between the Larson–Doi model and a fiber orientation model, we test the ability of process simulation tools to predict TLCP orientation distributions during molding. Substantial discrepancies between model predictions and experimental measurements are found near the flow front in partially filled short shots, attributed to the limits of the Hele–Shaw approximation used in the computations. Much of the flow front effect is however “washed out” by subsequent shear flow as mold filling progresses, leading to improved agreement between experiment and corresponding numerical predictions. POLYM. ENG. SCI.,, 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Results of Inferior Vena Caval Interruption by Greenfield Filter, Ligation or Resection During Radical Nephrectomy and Tumor Thrombectomy

Purpose: Surgical resection for patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumor thrombus may require interruption of the inferior vena cava using a Greenfield filter, ligation or resection. We describe the indications, technique, complications and outcomes of vena caval interruption during nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy.Materials and Methods: We identified 160 patients treated for level II–IV tumor thrombus at our institution between 1970 and 2004. Operative reports were reviewed to establish vena caval interruption. All patients who underwent interruption were assessed for postoperative disability according to the American Venous Forum International Consensus Committee.Results: Vena caval interruption was performed in 40 of 160 cases (25%), including 14 level II, 10 level III and 16 level IV thrombi. A total of 34 patients (85%) were symptomatic at presentation. A Greenfield filter was deployed before cavotomy closure in 4 of 160 patients (2.5%) for bland thrombus of the infrarenal vena cava. Ve...
Intrapartum management of twin gestations

A trial of labor and vaginal delivery are usually indicated in vertex-vertex twins. For vertex-nonvertex twins, vaginal birth is preferred, with the second twin being delivered by breech extraction, unless it is significantly larger than the first. Cesarean delivery is indicated if the first twin is nonvertex and for all cases of monoamniotic or potentially viable conjoined twins. There is a limited role for trial of labor after cesarean delivery in twin gestations. In my opinion, combined vaginal-cesarean birth is the riskiest method for mother and infants and should be avoided if possible.
Abstract 1042: Activation of AKT negates the pro-apoptotic function of Par-4 in castration resistant prostate cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Activation of AKT signaling pathway is a common aberrations in advanced castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). PTEN, a tumor suppressor is known to negatively regulate AKT function, however, in most cancer deletion or mutation of PTEN facilitates AKT mediated survival signaling in most cancer types. In this study, we have determined the clinical and pathological significance of AKT signaling in CaP tissues and CRPC cell lines. AKT and pAKT (ser473) were measured in prostate tumor tissues (Normal = 23, Grade I=13, Grade II-24 and Grade III=26) by immunohistochemistry analysis. Phosphorylated AKT is significantly higher in tumors (Grades-I, II and III) as compared to the normal/hyperplastic tissues; however, there no significant differences were seen in AKT expression between normal and tumor tissues. In CRPC cell lines, stable expression of AKT increases proliferation, epithelial mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis in cancer cells. Injection of over expressed AKT, CRPC cells resulted in tumor growth in athymic mice as compared to vector cells. We observed AKT tumors grow rapidly, are larger in size and showed 100% tumorigenecity as compared to the control tumors (40%), which had slow growth, as well as small tumors. Interestingly, subcutaneous injection of AKT/CRPC cells in athymic mice showed hyperplasia in anterior and a ventral lateral lobe of the prostate, which was absent in control tumors. We also found that AKT tumors are highly vascularized than the control tumors; however no micrometastasis were observed in our H &E analysis. Our in vitro studies have revealed that treatment of Withaferin-A, an herbal compound inhibits AKT activation and up regulates Par-4 mediated apoptosis by activating caspase cascades in CRPC cells. In addition, WA overcomes AKT induced resistance in CRPC cells and restores Par-4 function that resulted in growth inhibition in AKT over expressed CRPC (DU-145 and C4-2B) cells. Similarly, oral administration of WA (4mg/kg) significantly inhibited the growth of both control and AKT over expressed tumors (P< 0.001). Currently, we are observing tumor regrowth after stopping the WA treatment and immunohistochemistry analysis to confirm AKT mediated pro-survival signaling and EMT markers in the tumor tissues. These finding suggest WA could be a potent agent which overrides AKT mediated pro-survival and EMT signaling in CRPC cells, hence it can be used as a chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agent for highly aggressive and metastatic prostate cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Trinath P. Das, Suman Suman, Chendil Damodaran. Activation of AKT negates the pro-apoptotic function of Par-4 in castration resistant prostate cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1042. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1042
Use of frequency-shifted/time-compressed speech with hearing-impaired children.

Several electromechanical aids to education for hearing-impaired children have been studied. One method that has received minimal attention is that of frequency-shifted/time-compressed (FS/TC) speech. This study was designed to determine if intelligibility scores on a standard intelligibility measure for children, whereby the words on the test were modified by 35% FS/TC, would show improvement from a pre- to a post-testing session. Nine hearing-impaired children were presented a 0 and 35% FS/TC speech pre-test, then trained for 15 days using 35% FS/TC speech signals, and subsequently were presented a 0 and 35% FS/TC speech post-test. A second group of 9 hearing-impaired children were presented similar pre- and post-tests, but were trained under a 0% FS/TC speech condition. The group trained under the 35% FS/TC speech condition showed score gains from the pre- to post-test session, whereas the 0% FS/TC speech group showed essentially no gains from the pre- to the post-test session. The potential applicatio...
New European space policy

A new European Space Policy (http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/space/off_docs_en.html) that is intended to coordinate space activities undertaken by the European Space Agency, European Union, and member nations has been adopted by representatives of these entities. Earth observation is one of the key applications identified in the policy, particularly the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) initiative, which is intended to coordinate and prepare satellite and ground-based data for end-users. Other key applications include development of the GALILEO satellite navigation system, satellite communications, and security and defense.
Pulmonary Edema following Pericardiotomy for Cardiac Tamponade

A 57-year-old man with a history of a previous myocardial infarction presented with acute cardiac tamponade due to malignant pericardial effusion. Immediately following emergency surgical drainage of the pericardium by subxiphoid window, acute pulmonary edema developed. The sudden increase in venous return following the release of cardiac compression may result in this rare complication. Gradual removal of pericardial fluid under hemodynamic monitoring is advisable, particularly in patients with preexisting heart disease.
Molecular ruler determines needle length for the Salmonella Spi-1 injectisome

The type-III secretion (T3S) systems of bacteria are part of self-assembling nanomachines: the bacterial flagellum that enables cells to propel themselves through liquid and across hydrated surfaces, and the injectisome that delivers pathogenic effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. Although the flagellum and injectisome serve different purposes, they are evolutionarily related and share many structural similarities. Core features to these T3S systems are intrinsic length control mechanisms for external cellular projections: the hook of the flagellum and the injectisome needle. We present evidence that the Spi-1 injectisome, like the Salmonella flagellar hook, uses a secreted molecular ruler, InvJ, to determine needle length. This result supports a universal length control mechanism using molecular rulers for T3S systems.
The effect of race and gender on the surgical management of the small renal mass

Abstract Background To date, no population studies have been designed to assess the impact of race and gender on the rate of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) across the United States. Materials and methods The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry was queried for patients with T1a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated over the most recent decade, 1998–2007. Baseline socio-demographic data were compared between Caucasian and African-American patients using χ2 and t-test analysis, and rates of radical nephrectomy (RN) were compared for all permutations of race and gender. A multivariate logistic regression model was in turn created with these variables to predict the odds of undergoing a radical nephrectomy. No prior assumptions were made regarding superiority of partial nephrectomy (PN) over RN as a therapeutic intervention. Results A total of 14,953 patients were eligible for inclusion in this study, and of these, 1,804 (12%) were African-American. Comparably, African-American patients were younger ( Conclusions Significant racial and gender disparities exist with regard to utilization of nephron-sparing surgery for small renal masses, particularly in African-American women. Further efforts should be directed to elucidating and addressing the rationale behind this disparity to ensure the uniformity of care.
Estimating myocardial motion by 4D image warping

A method for spatio-temporally smooth and consistent estimation of cardiac motion from MR cine sequences is proposed. Myocardial motion is estimated within a four-dimensional (4D) registration framework, in which all three-dimensional (3D) images obtained at different cardiac phases are simultaneously registered. This facilitates spatio-temporally consistent estimation of motion as opposed to other registration-based algorithms which estimate the motion by sequentially registering one frame to another. To facilitate image matching, an attribute vector (AV) is constructed for each point in the image, and is intended to serve as a ''morphological signature'' of that point. The AV includes intensity, boundary, and geometric moment invariants (GMIs). Hierarchical registration of two image sequences is achieved by using the most distinctive points for initial registration of two sequences and gradually adding less-distinctive points to refine the registration. Experimental results on real data demonstrate good performance of the proposed method for cardiac image registration and motion estimation. The motion estimation is validated via comparisons with motion estimates obtained from MR images with myocardial tagging.
Rural Designations and Geographic Access to Tertiary Healthcare in Idaho

This paper examines the geographic accessibility of tertiary health services for the rural population of Idaho. Utilizing the two most commonly used rurality definitions, we determined the spatial distribution of the rural and urban residents in Idaho. The distance to each of the tertiary healthcare facility was calculated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Our analysis showed a large disparity between rural and urban geographic access to tertiary healthcare and revealed that there are significant variations in the disparity depending on the rural definition used. Thus there is a need to deploy strategies to enhance rural access and to construct rurality measures that capture the local heterogeneity, given that rurality designations impact the interpretation of access problems, and the funding eligibility for healthcare programs.
Dynamic structural response of LMFBR head closures to hypothetical core disruptive accidents

Abstract Presented here is an investigation of the dynamic structural response of the primary vessel's head closure to a hypothetical core disruptive accident (HCDA). Two head-closure designs were considered: the first represents a loop-type design and the second represents a pool-type design. Using representative configurations of liquid metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBR), independent models were used (1) to derive loading pressure histories and (2) to study the structural response of the head closures. Results for loading pressures, displacement histories, deformed profiles, stress magnitudes and plastically deformed regions are presented.
The Pursuit of Pleasure: Drugs and Stimulants in Iranian History, 1500–1900 – Rudi Matthee

The author of this book explores the production, commerce, and consumption of stimulants and drugs in early modern Iranian society, as well as their cultural context, role, and what accounted for t...
Enhancement of HIV-1 infectivity by simple, self-assembling modular peptides.

Semen-derived enhancer of viral infection (SEVI), an amyloid fibril formed from a cationic peptide fragment of prostatic acidic phosphatase (PAP), dramatically enhances the infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Insoluble, sedimentable fibrils contribute to SEVI-mediated enhancement of virus infection. However, the SEVI-forming PAP(248–286) peptide is able to produce infection-enhancing structures much more quickly than it forms amyloid fibrils. This suggests that soluble supramolecular assemblies may enhance HIV-1 infection. To address this question, non-SEVI amyloid-like fibrils were derived from general amphipathic peptides of sequence Ac-Kn(XKXE)2-NH2. These cationic peptides efficiently self-assembled to form soluble, fibril-like structures that were, in some cases, able to enhance HIV-1 infection even more efficiently than SEVI. Experiments were also performed to determine whether agents that efficiently shield the charged surface of SEVI fibrils block SEVI-mediated infection-enhancement. To do this, we generated self-assembling anionic peptides of sequence Ac-En(XKXE)2-NH2. One of these peptides completely abrogated SEVI-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 infection, without altering HIV-1 infectivity in the absence of SEVI. Collectively, these data suggest that soluble SEVI assemblies may mediate infection-enhancement, and that anionic peptide supramolecular assemblies have the potential to act as anti-SEVI microbicides.
Sexuality, Reproduction, and Family Planning in Women With Schizophrenia

This article reviews data about how schizophrenia affects sexuality, pregnancy, the puerperium, parenting, and family planning. Women with schizophrenia have high rates of coerced sex, sexual risk behavior, and unwanted pregnancies. High rates of obstetric complications and custody loss increase morbidity for women and their offspring. Since untreated psychosis increases these problems, the risks of withholding pharmacotherapy must be weighed against the risks of prescribing medications during pregnancy. The puerperium is a time when women are especially vulnerable to exacerbations of schizophrenia. Mothers with schizophrenia may have a reduced ability to read children's cues, and they often have weak social support networks. Their children may be more difficult to raise than other children. Parenting rehabilitation can address some of these problems. Often, women with schizophrenia who are sexually active and do not wish to become pregnant do not use contraception. Incorporating family planning measures into mental health care delivery systems may reduce unwanted pregnancies.
Hydrodynamic and heat transfer characteristics of large agricultural seeds—air fluidized beds

Etude experimentale de la correlation entre la vitesse de fluidisation et le coefficient de transfert de chaleur a un tube immerge de lits fluidises de pois, de lentilles et de graines de millet
Population and Production Estimates of Fathead Minnows in a South Dakota Prairie Wetland

Abstract Population and production estimates were obtained for a native population of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in a 16.2-ha prairie wetland in South Dakota from May to September 1976. The estimated population of adult minnows declined from 194 in May and June to 26 in July. Production of adult minnows in the study area was estimated to be 0.10 kg (0.008 kg/ha per year). The estimated populations of young-of-the-year minnows were 21,020 in July, 126,505 in August, and 105,297 in September. The production of young-of-the-year minnows in the study area was estimated to be 174 kg (17.5 kg/ha per year). Young-of-the-year minnows contributed more than 99% to the 175.09 kg total production (17.5 kg/ha per year). Production by fathead minnows during the present study was underestimated because of the following factors: low initial brood stock density (less than 12/ha), receding water levels during the study period, exclusion of sexual products, exclusion of production by fry not surviving to be censu...
Toxicity, accumulation, and elimination of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles inDaphnia magna

A series of polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASH) were compared to their sterically and structurally similar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) for toxicity, bioconcentration, and elimination inDaphnia magna. The PASH were generally more toxic than their analogous PAH. Benzo[b]thiophene and benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene were bioconcentrated to a greater extent than naphthalene and chrysene, respectively. However, dibenzothiophene and phenanthrene exhibited similar uptake curves. No clear trend was observed for elimination differences between PASH and PAH.
Worksite environment intervention to prevent obesity among metropolitan transit workers.

Abstract Objective The results of an 18-month worksite intervention to prevent obesity among metropolitan transit workers are reported. Methods Four garages in a major metropolitan area were randomized to intervention or control groups. Data were collected during the fall of 2005 prior to the start of the intervention and during the fall of 2007, after the intervention ended. Intervention program components at the garage included enhancement of the physical activity facilities, increased availability of and lower prices on healthy vending machine choices, and group behavioral programs. Mixed model estimates from cross-sectional and cohort samples were pooled with weights inverse to the variance of their respective estimates of the intervention effects. Results Measurement participation rates were 78% at baseline and 74% at follow-up. The intervention effect on garage mean BMI change was not significant (-0.14 kg/m2). Energy intake decreased significantly, and fruit and vegetable intake increased significantly in intervention garages compared to control garages. Physical activity change was not significant. Conclusion Worksite environmental interventions for nutrition and physical activity behavior change may have limited impact on BMI among transit workers who spend most of their workday outside the worksite.
Commentary on: the economic cost of firearm-related injuries in the United States from 2006 to 2010.

Concerning the article: The economic cost of firearm-related injuries in the United States from 2006 to 2010. Jarone Lee, Sadeq A. Quraishi, Saurabha Bhatnagar, Ross D. Zafonte, Peter T. Masiakos Surgery DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.02.011 Language: en
X-ray mirrors on flexible polymer substrates fabricated by atomic layer deposition

Abstract Atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques were used to fabricate W/Al 2 O 3 superlattices with high X-ray reflectivity on flexible Kapton® polyimide and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) polymer substrates. Reflectivities of 78% and 74% at λ = 1.54 A were measured for 6-bilayer W/Al 2 O 3 superlattices on Kapton® polyimide and PEN, respectively. These excellent X-ray reflectivities are attributed to precise bilayer thicknesses and ultrasmooth interfaces obtained by ALD and smoothing of the initial polymer surface by an Al 2 O 3 ALD layer. The conformal ALD film growth also produces correlated roughness that enhances the reflectivity. These W/Al 2 O 3 superlattices on flexible polymers should be useful for ultralight and adjustable radius of curvature X-ray mirrors.
Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in TGF-β1-induced Tropoelastin Expression by Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Chronic exposure to solar UV radiation causes marked changes in the dermal extracellular matrix that underlie the loss of resiliency and increased laxity observed in photoaged skin. In particular, the dermal elastin content increases substantially and the normal, well-organized elastic fibers are replaced by amorphous elastotic material. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) stimulates synthesis of elastin by dermal fibroblasts and may mediate the increase in elastin in chronically photodamaged skin. We investigated pathways involved in the TGF-beta1-induced increase in tropoelastin (TE), the soluble elastin monomer and assessed the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the regulation of TE mRNA. Antioxidants and an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase blocked TGF-beta1-induced TE mRNA increase even when added 1.5 h after TGF-beta1, although ROS were detected for only 30 min. The TE mRNA increase required activation of Smad4, shown using Smad4 siRNA, and also involved the ERK1/2, p38 and JNK MAP kinases but not PI3K. ROS did not enhance signaling through Smad2 but did enhance activation of p38 and ERK1/2 at 10 min after TGF-beta1. These results indicate that Smad and MAPK pathways mediate TGF-beta1-induced TE expression and that ROS are required for both early signal transduction and later steps that increase elastin.
Divided over Diversity: Political Discourse in a Chicago Neighborhood

In a Chicago neighborhood made up of different racial and economic groups, nearly everyone claims to value diversity. Yet, this powerful and plastic symbol can influence political activity in oppos...
Image-based three-dimensional treatment planning of intracavitary brachytherapy for cancer of the cervix: dose-volume histograms of the bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon, and small bowel.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate dose-volume histograms (DVHs) of bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon, and small bowel using image-based three-dimensional treatment planning for intracavitary brachytherapy. Methods and materials Between 2001 and 2003, 22 patients with cancer of the cervix (1 IB1, 5 IB2, 11 IIB, 5 IIIB) were treated with computerized tomography (CT)-compatible high-dose-rate intracavitary applicators and underwent postimplant pelvic CT scans with the applicator in place. The volumes of organs at risk were digitized. For radiography-based planning, International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) bladder and rectum point doses were calculated. For the CT-based planning, the DVHs were computed for the bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon, and small bowel. To compare doses to organs at risk, the minimum dose in 2.0 cm 3 volume receiving the highest dose ( D 2 ) was determined from DVHs. These D 2 doses were compared with radiography-based ICRU point doses. Results The mean ICRU bladder point dose (401 cGy) was markedly underestimated compared to the mean bladder D 2 dose (484 cGy). However, the mean ICRU rectal point dose (412 cGy) did not differ significantly from the mean rectal D 2 dose (373 cGy). The most frequent organ receiving the highest D 2 dose was the sigmoid colon in 9 of 22 patients (41%) followed by the rectum in 7 of 22 patients (32%) and small bowel in 6 of 22 patients (27%). Conclusions From CT-based three-dimensional (3-D) evaluation, the ICRU bladder point dose was substantially lower than bladder D 2 dose. Special attention should also be given to the areas of proximal rectum and sigmoid colon due to more frequent high D 2 dose in these areas.
Density of states in a magnetic field and electron-electron interactions

Abstract We present magnetoconductivity measurements of two-dimensional non-degenerate electrons on liquid helium at 1.22 K . We measured the magnetoconductivity from an extremely low density where e–e interactions are negligible to densities where Coulomb interactions dominate the width of the density of states peaks. We observe a crossover from Drude theory to SCBA as a function of both magnetic field and electron density at finite classical fields.
Molecular Cloning and Expression of Human and Mouse Tyrosylprotein Sulfotransferase-2 and a Tyrosylprotein Sulfotransferase Homologue in Caenorhabditis elegans

Tyrosine O-sulfation, a common post-translational modification in eukaryotes, is mediated by Golgi enzymes that catalyze the transfer of the sulfuryl group from 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate to tyrosine residues in polypeptides. We recently isolated cDNAs encoding human and mouse tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase-1 (Ouyang, Y. B., Lane, W. S., and Moore, K. L. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 95, 2896–2901). Here we report the isolation of cDNAs encoding a second tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST), designated TPST-2. The human and mouse TPST-2 cDNAs predict type II transmembrane proteins of 377 and 376 amino acid residues, respectively. The cDNAs encode functionalN-glycosylated enzymes when expressed in mammalian cells. In addition, preliminary analysis indicates that TPST-1 and TPST-2 have distinct specificities toward peptide substrates. The human TPST-2 gene is on chromosome 22q12.1, and the mouse gene is in the central region of chromosome 5. We have also identified a cDNA that encodes a TPST in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that maps to the right arm of chromosome III. Thus, we have identified two new members of a class of membrane-bound sulfotransferases that catalyze tyrosineO-sulfation. These enzymes may catalyze tyrosineO-sulfation of a variety of protein substrates involved in diverse physiologic functions.
The human mixed lymphocyte-tumor cell interaction test - I. Positive autologous lymphocyte proliferative responses can be stimulated by tumor cells as well as by cells from normal tissues

Co-culture of cancer patients' nonadherent peripheral blood lymphocytes with irradiated autologous fresh tumor cells, termed the mixed lymphocyte-tumor interaction (MLTI) test, resulted in significant stimulation of 3H-Tdr in corporation on day 6 in 19 of 37 autologous combinations. The MLTI test was performed in a microtiter wells (0.2 ml) and a variety of solid tumor cells (sarcomas and carcinomas) were used. Tumor cells were dissociated from the fresh biopsy tissue by nontrypsin enzymatic digestion (deoxyribonuclease, hyaluronidase, and collagenase) and the tumor cells enriched by depletion of macrophages using adherence procedures. Occasionally, further tumor cell purification was achieved by separation of cells on the basis of size on dis-continuous gradients. Positive MLTI resulted in stimulation as high as 20-fold over the backgrounds of PBL and tumor cells cultured alone. Mean positive MLTI was SI of 7.7. The negative MTLI were not a reflection of generalized immunosuppression, because tumor cell preparations that did not stimulate autologous PBL did stimulate allogeneic PBL. In an additional patient, PBL not responding in the autologous MLTI did respond to allogeneic tumors. MLTI using cryopreserved cells reproduced the MLTI results using fresh cells in 11 of 16 tests; the other five tests were all positive in the fresh MLTI and negative when using cryopreserved cells. Despite reports from many other groups it appears that positive MLTI were not tumor-specific. In 14 experiments we were able to simultaneously test the proliferative response to autologous tumor as well as to an autologous normal tissue (lung, liver, colon, and bowel). In eight of these experiments positive responses were obtained with tumor stimulators and in seven of these, positive proliferation was also obtained with normal tissue.
Effect of naloxone on serum luteinizing hormone concentration in anovulatory Holstein cows during the early postpartum period.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of naloxone (NAL), an opioid receptor antagonist, on pituitary LH secretion in anovulatory Holstein cows during the early postpartum period when cows were expected to be in negative net energy balance. Twenty-three cows (11 primiparous) received either saline (n = 12) or 1 mg/kg BW NAL i.v. (n = 11) on Day 14 or 15 postpartum. Jugular blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 2 hr before and 2.5 hr after NAL or saline. All cows received 3 ug gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) at 2.5 hr post-NAL or -saline and blood collection was continued for 1 hr. Mean serum progesterone concentration was 0.33 ± 0.2 ng/ml. Mean net energy balance for all cows was -5.5 ± 0.6 Mcal/day. Naloxone caused a transient increase (P < 0.05) in serum LH concentrations in both primi- and multiparous cows within 45 min after administration. In contrast, serum LH concentrations remained unchanged in saline-treated cows. GnRH increased (P < 0.05) LH and there was no effect of treatment. These results suggest that modulation of LH secretion, at least in part, may be mediated via endogenous opioids in dairy cows before first postpartum ovulation.
Constrained Corticotropin Releasing Factor Antagonists (Astressin Analogues) with Long Duration of Action in the Rat

In an earlier report we identified specific modifications and substitutions of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) that led to the discovery of antagonists with extended duration of action as compared to that of astressin {cyclo(30−33)[dPhe12,Nle21,Glu30,Lys33,Nle38]hCRF(12-41)}. These additional modifications included elongation of the peptide chain by three residues at the N-terminus, its acetylation, and the [CαMeLeu27] substitution to yield cyclo(30−33)[dPhe12, Nle21,CαMeLeu27,Glu30,Lys33,Nle38]Ac-hCRF(9-41), which was found to be longer acting than astressin (Rivier, J.; et al. J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 5012−5019). To further increase the efficiency (potency, duration of action, and bioavailability) of this family of antagonists, we introduced two or more CαMe-leucine residues at positions shown in earlier studies to be favorable (Hernandez, J.-F.; et al. J. Med. Chem. 1993, 36, 2860−2867). Whereas the introduction of CαMe-leucine residues at positions 27 and either 18 (11), 37 (17), or 40 (19) result...
THE ACRASIEAE IN NATURE. II. FOREST SOIL AS A PRIMARY HABITAT.

The distribution of 9 members of the Acrasieae in the climax associations of the temperate deciduous forest of Eastern North America was determined. No undescribed species were isolated. The presence, density, relative density, and frequency of species were found to fluctuate with the environment as indicated by the dominant trees in the forest canopy. The acrasian population of the lowland hardwood forest (silver maple-American elm) differs markedly in relative density and frequency of its constituent species from that of any upland forest. High frequencies of Polysphondylium pallidum and Dictyostelium polycephalum characterize this forest type. In the upland forest, D. minutum is the most characteristic species and maintains a high frequency and relative density over most of the forest area; however, it decreases in importance in southern regions. The relatively dry oak-hickory association was found most favorable for the development of the Acrasieae. Soils of the boreal forest contain only limited numbers of Acrasieae representing
The ADAM-integrin-tetraspanin complex in fetal and postnatal testicular cords

New insights have emerged about the expression, during testicular cord formation, of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) domain family of proteins that combines both cell surface adhesion and proteolytic activity; this family includes integrins α3β1 and α6β1 and tetraspanins, a distinct family of proteins containing four transmembrane domains, a small and a large extracellular loop, and short cytoplasmic tails. ADAM3 (cyritestin), ADAM5, ADAM6, and ADAM15 are expressed in fetal rat testes. In contrast, the expression of the ADAM1/ADAM2 pair (fertilin α/fertilin β, respectively) is not detected in fetal testis. Yet the expression of ADAM1 starts immediately after birth, and is followed within 24 hr by the expression of ADAM2. Therefore, the ADAM1/ADAM2 heterodimer is visualized far in advance of the meiotic and spermiogenic phase of spermatogenesis. A similar expression pattern was observed for integrin subunits α3, α6, and β1, as well as for tetraspanins CD9, CD81, and CD98; the latter is a single-pass integrin subunit β1-binding protein. ADAM2, integrin subunits α3, α6, and β1, and tetraspanin CD9 and CD81 immunoreactive sites are observed in prespermatogonia (also known as primordial germ cells or gonocytes). A model is proposed in which the ADAM-integrin-tetraspanin complex, known to constitute a network of membrane microdomains called the tetraspanin web, may be involved in the migration of prespermatogonia from the center to the periphery of the testicular cords and in the reinitiation of mitotic activity during the initial wave of spermatogenesis. A complementary model consists in the rearrangement of the tetraspanin web in prespermatogonia/spermatogonia undergoing spontaneous or Fas-induced apoptosis upon coculturing with Sertoli cells. In this model, the cellular site involved in the formation of preapoptotic bodies is devoid of tetraspanin-integrin clusters, in contrast with nonapoptotic cells, which display a diffuse circumferential distribution. In apoptotic prespermatogonia, immunoreactive clusters are restricted to sites where the attachment of prespermatogonia/spermatogonia to Sertoli cell surfaces is still preserved. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 75:130–141, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Achiral and chiral sum frequency vibrational spectroscopy of collagen fibrils

The noncentrosymmetric molecular structures responsible for the second order nonlinear effects of collagen fibrils are identified by sum frequency vibrational spectroscopy. CH 2 and C=O functional groups dominate the achiral and chiral spectra, respectively.
A construction for irregular low density parity check convolutional codes

A technique for constructing irregular low density parity check convolutional codes is described. The constructed codes exhibit lower convergence thresholds with belief propagation decoding than their regular counterparts.
Controlled release of 1-hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate: in vitro assessment and effects on bioprosthetic calcification in sheep tricuspid valve replacements

Abstract Calcification (CALC) is the most frequent cause of the clinical failure of bioprosthetic valves (BHV's). Controlled-release (paravalvar) administration of the anticalcification agent ethanehydroxydiphosphonate (EHDP), as either Na 2 EHDP or in combination (1:1) with the less soluble CaEHDP, from a silicone rubber matrix (20% w/w EHDP) was studied both in vitro and in vivo for the prevention of BHV CALC. Seventeen sheep (6–7 months old, male, Suffolk) underwent tricuspid valve replacement using Hancock I, 25 mm porcine aortic bioprostheses. BHV explant evaluation after 16–20 weeks revealed that two of the 7 control BHV were calcified (139 ± 20.8 μg Ca 2+ /mg of tissue), while none of the 9 BHV retrieved from animals receiving controlled release EHDP demonstrated CALC (4.41 ± 1.09 μg Ca 2+ /mg of tissue). No adverse effects of EHDP on bone or calcium metabolism were noted. The cumulative percent of EHDP released per electron microprobe analysis was 40.4% ± 9.68 (Na, CaEHDP) to 79.0% ± 4.82 (Na 2 EHDP) in vivo compared to 35.7% ± 7.72 and 78.6 ± 11.1 in vitro, respectively. Assessment of the Young's modulus (Y) using thermomechanical analysis (TMA) revealed a 1.5-fold (Silastic Q7-4840) to 9.5-fold (Silastic 382) increase in Y following drug loading. The Y for explanted, Silastic Q7-4840 polymer matrices ranged from 2.84 × 10 4 to 5.57 × 10 5 dyne/cm 2 . In vitro osmotic related matrix swelling of the Na 2 EHDP loaded, unsealed matrices (20% w/w) after 75 days was minimized to a 35.8% increase in weight due to coincorporation of CaEHDP with Na 2 EHDP in a 1:1 ratio and was further reduced (22.2% increase in weight) by sealing 76% of the releasing surface, compared to Na 2 EHDP matrices which demonstrated a 414% and 141% increase in weight, respectively.
COMPARISON OF CAPILLARY AND SKIMMER INTERFACES IN EVOLVED GAS ANALYSIS-MASS SPECTROMETRY (EGA-MS) WITH REGARD TO IMPURITIES IN CERAMIC RAW MATERIALS

Capillary and skimmer interfaces in EGA-MS were compared by analysis of the carbon substances remaining in the hydrolysis products of aluminum alkoxides. Peaks with higher intensities were detected in the skimmer interface mode than those in the capillary interface mode. It was confirmed in particular that the skimmer interface is effective in increasing the sensitivity for species with higher mass, e.g. the evolved butyl group, as carbon substances remaining in the hydrolysis product of aluminum sec-butoxide.
A rough guide to a smooth brain

Lissencephaly is a devastating genetic disease of children that affects the embryonic development of the brain. It is caused by haploinsufficiency of the Lis1 gene product, which seems to be required for proper functioning of cytoplasmic dynein during neuronal proliferation, migration and morphogenesis.