cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2Phytoestrogens and breast cancer

Phytoestrogens are paradoxical. Because of their structural similarity to the physiological oestrogens, they have been assumed to increase the risk of breast cancer. However, nations where the largest amounts of phytoestrogens are consumed in the diet have the lowest incidence of and rate of death from breast cancer. Although these epidemiological observations do not prove that phytoestrogens have anti-cancer properties, many preclinical experiments support this concept. Some indicate that early life exposure to phytoestrogens may be critical for breast cancer prevention. Clinical studies to define the effect of phytoestrogens on breast cancer recurrence are underway. The recent discovery of a second class of oestrogen receptors, with a differential distribution among the tissues, may enable an explanation of the phytoestrogen paradox. These receptors have opened a way of utilizing phytoestrogens in the treatment of oestrogen-sensitive chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis and osteoporosis.
Plant relations in mixtures of Trifolium subterraneum cv. Mt Barker and Lolium multiflorum cv. Midmar: II. Yield advantage as reflected in the Land Equivalent Ratio

Land Equivalent Ratios (LER) were calculated for mixtures of Trifolium subterraneum and Lolium multiflorum in terms of dry matter production and crude protein production. This ratio denotes the yield advantage, if any, of a specific mixture against the pure stands of the different components. The mixture receiving 240 kg N ha−1 showed an advantage of 3% and 10%, respectively, for dry matter production and crude protein production. Heavy defoliation (50 mm) increased the partial LER value of the grass component and consequently the combined LER. A grass seeding rate of 10–20 kg ha−1 ensured a well‐balanced mixture. The results signify the strong competitive ability of T. subterraneum in a mixture with L. multiflorum, especially with light defoliation, low nitrogen and low grass seeding rates.
Use of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument to evaluate functional outcomes in arthrogryposis.

BACKGROUND The Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) is a subjective measurement tool designed to provide a standardized method of assessing outcomes in pediatric musculoskeletal conditions. It has earlier been shown to be useful in several pediatric musculoskeletal conditions, but there is currently no widely accepted subjective outcome measurement tool for children with arthrogryposis. METHODS The PODCI was administered to parents of 74 children diagnosed with amyoplasia. The score distributions were compared with values published earlier for children without musculoskeletal disorders. For those patients with repeated PODCI administrations over time, the initial score was compared with the most recent score. Comparisons were made using the Student t test. RESULTS PODCI scores in children with amyoplasia were significantly lower than those for typically developing children in all 6 domains. The scores were also more normally distributed than those for typically developing children in all 6 domains. Over an average follow-up period of approximately 3 years, children with amyoplasia had a statistically significant increase in scores for upper extremity function, sports participation, and global functioning. CONCLUSIONS These results show that the PODCI is useful in evaluating functional outcomes of children with amyoplasia, and is sensitive to change in function over time. The PODCI shows promise as a tool to evaluate long-term outcomes of surgical management in amyoplasia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic Study, Level III.
Novel role of KCNQ2/3 channels in regulating neuronal cell viability.

Overactivation of certain K+ channels can mediate excessive K+ efflux and intracellular K+ depletion, which are early ionic events in apoptotic cascade. The present investigation examined a possible role of the KCNQ2/3 channel or M-channel (also named Kv7.2/7.3 channels) in the pro-apoptotic process. Whole-cell recordings detected much larger M-currents (212±31 pA or 10.5±1.5 pA/pF) in cultured hippocampal neurons than that in cultured cortical neurons (47±21 pA or 2.4±0.8 pA/pF). KCNQ2/3 channel openers N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and flupirtine caused dose-dependent K+ efflux, intracellular K+ depletion, and cell death in hippocampal cultures, whereas little cell death was induced by NEM in cortical cultures. The NEM-induced cell death was antagonized by co-applied KCNQ channel inhibitor XE991 (10 μM), or by elevated extracellular K+ concentration. Supporting a mediating role of KCNQ2/3 channels in apoptosis, expression of KCNQ2 or KCNQ2/3 channels in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells initiated caspase-3 activation. Consistently, application of NEM (20 μM, 8 h) in hippocampal cultures similarly caused caspase-3 activation assessed by immunocytochemical staining and western blotting. NEM increased the expression of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), induced mitochondria membrane depolarization, cytochrome c release, formation of apoptosome complex, and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) translocation into nuclear. All these events were attenuated by blocking KCNQ2/3 channels. These findings provide novel evidence that KCNQ2/3 channels could be an important regulator in neuronal apoptosis.
Transcriptional Regulatory Events Initiated by Ascl1 and Neurog2 During Neuronal Differentiation of P19 Embryonic Carcinoma Cells

As members of the proneural basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors, Ascl1 and Neurog2 direct the differentiation of specific populations of neurons at various times and locations within the developing nervous system. In order to characterize the mechanisms employed by these two bHLH factors, we generated stable, doxycycline-inducible lines of P19 embryonic carcinoma cells that express comparable levels of Ascl1 and Neurog2. Upon induction, both Ascl1 and Neurog2 directed morphological and immunocytochemical changes consistent with initiation of neuronal differentiation. Comparison of Ascl1- and Neurog2-regulated genes by microarray analyses showed both shared and distinct transcriptional changes for each bHLH protein. In both Ascl1- and Neurog2-differentiating cells, repression of Oct4 mRNA levels was accompanied by increased Oct4 promoter methylation. However, DNA demethylation was not detected for genes induced by either bHLH protein. Neurog2-induced genes included glutamatergic marker genes while Ascl1-induced genes included GABAergic marker genes. The Neurog2-specific induction of a gene encoding a protein phosphatase inhibitor, Ppp1r14a, was dependent on distinct, canonical E-box sequences within the Ppp1r14a promoter and the nucleotide sequences within these E-boxes were partially responsible for Neurog2-specific regulation. Our results illustrate multiple novel mechanisms by which Ascl1 and Neurog2 regulate gene repression during neuronal differentiation in P19 cells.
Organization of the sex-linked late-feathering haplotype in chickens.

Summary Nucleotide sequence analysis of polymerase chain reaction products confirmed that ev21 integrated into one of two large homologous elements on the Z chromosome of late-feathering (LF) White Leghorn chickens. Southern blots of NotI-, NaeI-, KspI- and BamHI-digested DNA from early-feathering (EF) and LF White Leghorns, that had been hybridized with a probe that flanks ev21, indicated a 180 kb duplication of an unoccupied repeat in the LF genotype of White Leghorns. A KspI fragment that carries ev21 was about 32 kb smaller than the KspI fragment found in EF DNA. In the evolution of LF, retroviral insertion into one of two large repeats and a 32 kb deletion may have generated LF.
Syntheses and bioactivities of macrocyclic paclitaxel bis-lactones

Five macrocyclic paclitaxel bis-lactones and their corresponding open chain taxoids were synthesized as models of the tubulin-binding conformation of paclitaxel. Macrocyclic lactones with a 19-21-membered ring underwent isomerization to form smaller rings. The lactones were evaluated for cytotoxicity and tubulin-polymerization ability. All five macrocyclic paclitaxel lactones were active, but less so than paclitaxel, while the rearranged macrocyclic lactones and the corresponding open-chain taxoids were much less active or inactive.
Radiation Measurement Work at the Princeton-Pennsylvania Accelerator

Since the P.P.A. has a proton current of 1012, per second at 3 Bev., a careful study was made of its shielding requirements before construction began. The resulting design has been proven to possess excellent attenuation characteristics and flexibility of adaptation for varying demands by experiments. The personnel dosimetry is based on Bonner spheres and T.E. ion chambers as well as the more conventional ones. A comparison and discussion of measurements made with the two types of detectors mentioned is made. Results of dose, particle flux and radioactivation measurements inside and outside the main shield, are presented.
The hybridization of DNA from two species of honeybee

Abstract DNA was isolated from the Indian honeybee ( Apis cerana ) and from the Italian and Anatolian races of the true honeybee ( A. mellifera ). The single-copy fraction of each DNA was labelled with iodine-125. Labelled single-stranded single-copy DNA from one species was allowed to associate with excess unlabelled single-stranded DNA from the other species. Hydroxylapatite chromatographic analysis of the heterohybrids showed that about 60% of the genomes are similar enough to form hybrids with a high degree of base pairing. About 40% of the genomes are so dissimilar that they cannot form hybrids stable under the experimental conditions of reassociation.
From graphs to ortholattices and equivariant maps

Abstract A functor is constructed from the category of graphs and graph homomorphisms to the category of spaces with involutions and equivariant homotopy classes of maps. This can sometimes be used to prove lower bounds on chromatic numbers, and was inspired by Lovasz's proof of Kneser's conjecture. Ortholattices occur as an intermediate step between graphs and spaces, and the correspondence between graphs and ortholattices is analyzed.
The labrum: structure, function, and injury with femoro-acetabular impingement

Background The recognition of the importance of femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) as a potential cause of hip pain has been stimulated by major efforts to salvage hip joints by reconstruction to prevent or delay the need for replacement. A previous review addressed the nature of FAI, the various types, and how to make the diagnosis. When FAI occurs, the structure between the femur and acetabular rim, the labrum, is initially impinged upon and subsequently injured.
Lipogranulomatosis of external genitalia

Abstract A case of mineral oil injection into the external genitalia is presented. Seventy-five years of clinical experience with subcutaneous injections of exogenous lipids and paraffin materials are reviewed. Diagnosis may be elusive because of a misleading history of illness.
The enemy within: a commentary on the demonization of difference.

Ways in which the poor and the powerless, women in particular, have been made the focus of rhetoric aimed at the undoing of the federal welfare system are described. The stigmatizing of poor, single mothers as a means of diverting attention from recent substantial shifts in wealth in the U.S. is examined, and it is suggested that the essential problem is not the character and habits of poor women but the persistence of poverty as a fundamental structure of the society.
Vascular injuries in the urban battleground: experience at a metropolitan trauma center.

The increasing frequency and severity of urban violence and vehicular injuries have brought with them a rise in the number of complex vascular injuries. To examine the cause, incidence, management, and outcome of this problem, we created a vascular trauma registry which includes all such cases treated at a Level I metropolitan trauma center over the past nine years. This constitutes a summary report of that registry. During the period 1979–1988, 411 patients (355 men, 56 women) with 478 vascular injuries were treated. There were 18 deaths (4%). Primary diagnosis was grouped by anatomic region: (1) head and neck vessels, 62 (15%); (2) thoracic, 39 (10%); (3) abdominal and pelvic, 63 (15%); (4) upper extremity, 161 (39%); and (5) lower extremity, 86 (21%). Surgery was required in 241 cases (60%). Operative techniques consisted of ligation or resection in 26 (12%) and direct repair in 212 (88%). Associated procedures included: (1) laparotomy (n=83); (2) craniotomy (n=4); (3) thoracotomy (n=49); (4) orthopedic procedures (n=118); and (5) peripheral neurological repair (n=70). Mechanisms of injury were: (1) gunshot wounds (32%); (2) stab wounds (45%); (3) motor vehicle accidents (18%); (4) fall (3%); and (5) other mechanisms (2%). We conclude: (1) vascular injuries were found frequently in the severely injured patient; (2) multiple vascular repairs were required in a significant proportion of these patients; and (3) outcome is dependent more upon associated trauma than on the vascular injuries themselves.
The Inhibitor-1 C Terminus Facilitates Hormonal Regulation of Cellular Protein Phosphatase-1 FUNCTIONAL IMPLICATIONS FOR INHIBITOR-1 ISOFORMS

Inhibitor-1 (I-1) is a selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) and regulates several PP1-dependent signaling pathways, including cardiac contractility and regulation of learning and memory. The human I-1 gene has been spliced to generate two alternative mRNAs, termed I-1α and I-1β, encoding polypeptides that differ from I-1 in their C-terminal sequences. Reverse transcription-PCR established that I-1α and I-1β mRNAs are expressed in a developmental and tissue-specific manner. Functional analysis of I-1 in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain dependent on human I-1 for viability established that a novel domain encompassing amino acids 77–110 is necessary for PP1 inhibition in yeast. Expression of human I-1 in S. cerevisiae with a partial loss-of-function eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α) kinase (Gcn2p) mutation permitted growth during amino acid starvation, consistent with the inhibition of Glc7p/PP1, the yeast eIF2α phosphatase. In contrast, human I-1α, which lacks amino acids 83–134, and I-1 with C-terminal deletions were significantly less effective in promoting yeast growth under starvation conditions. These data suggest that C-terminal sequences of I-1 enhance regulation of the eukaryotic eIF2α phosphatase. In vitro studies established that C-terminal sequences, deleted in both I-1α and I-1β, enhance PP1 binding and inhibition. Expression of full-length and C-terminally truncated I-1 in HEK293T cells established the importance of the I-1 C terminus in transducing cAMP signals that promote eIF2α phosphorylation. This study demonstrates that multiple domains in I-1 target cellular PP1 complexes and establishes I-1 as a cellular regulator of eIF2α phosphorylation.
The magic crayon: an object definition and volume calculation testbed

Rapid, accurate definition and volume calculation of anatomical objects is essential for effective CT and MR diagnosis. Absolute volumes often signal abnormalities while relative volumes--such as a change in tumor size--can provide critical information on the effectiveness of radiation therapy. To this end, we have developed the 'magic crayon' (MC) anatomical object visualization, object definition, and volume calculation tool as a follow on to UNC's Image Hierarchy Editor (IHE) and Image Hierarchy Visualizer (IHV). This paper presents the magic crayon system detailing interaction, implementation, and preliminary observer studies. MC has several features: (1) it uses a number of 3D visualization methods to visualize rapidly an anatomical object. (2) MC can serve as a test bed for various object definition algorithms. (3) MC serves as a testbed allowing the comparative evaluation of various volume calculation methods including pixel counting and Dr. David Eberly's divergence method.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Myth and Reality of Sustainable New Zealand: Mining in a Pristine Land

New Zealanders took to the streets by the tens of thousands on May 1, 2010, to protest a government proposal to open national parks and other scenic areas to mining exploration. News reports called...
Gas-bubble disease in three fish species inhabiting the heated discharge of a steam-electric station using hypolimnetic cooling water.

White bass (Morone chrysops), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) inhabiting the heated discharge canal of Duke Power Company's Marshall Steam Station, Lake Norman, North Carolina, were examined for signs of gas-bubble disease (GBD) during the winters of 1982–1983 and 1983–1984. Peak percentages of these fish species with GBD occurred between late February and early May each year, corresponding with peaks in total gas saturation in the discharge water. Cooling and warming water temperatures, and thermal stratification of Lake Norman influenced saturation of dissolved gases in the hypolimnetic intake water of Marshall Steam Station, and directly affected the variability in total gas saturation in the discharge canal. Temperature change in the condenser cooling water and electricity output were unrelated to the within-year variability in total gas saturation and GBD. The use of hypolimnetic water for cooling at this station restricts the time to a few months that levels of total gas saturation are sufficient to induce GBD, but probably led to higher peaks in GBD than if epilimnetic water was used. Among years, levels of GBD in white bass, bluegill, and largemouth bass were higher when electrical demand and mean temperature changes of the condenser cooling water at Marshall Steam Station were higher. Higher incidences in GBD in these fishes also occurred during winters when intake water temperatures were coldest.
Genetic Influences on Cardiac Surgical Outcomes

m a p URGEONS, ANESTHESIOLOGISTS, and intensive care physicians continually strive to minimize perioperative orbidity and mortality. Patients’ acute surgical problems and edical comorbidities should be considered in surgical and nesthetic planning in order to achieve the best surgical outomes. In the century and a half since Mendel first identified ereditary influences on plant phenotypes (the outward physial manifestations of genetic traits), the field of human medical enetics has uncovered many serious, although usually rare, iseases linked to single gene defects (usually called Mendelian iseases). Although identifying and studying Mendelian disases such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis is important or perioperative care and treatment, it is increasingly evident hat genetic variability also influences much more commonlace complex diseases such as coronary artery disease, stroke, iabetes, and hypertension. Functional genomics is the study of ow sets of genes, gene products, and the environment interact o affect complex disease manifestation. Better understanding f genomic influences on complex diseases not only may rovide insight into why physiologic responses to surgery vary etween individuals, but also may decrease surgical morbidity nd mortality by improving preoperative risk assessment and argeting more prophylactic therapies toward patients at inreased surgical risk.1 The completion of the mapping of the human genome in 003 (announcement at http://www.genome.gov/11006929) reulted in the discovery of a large network of genetic defects. his review provides a basic primer of molecular genetics long with an overview of some of the methodologic chalenges involved in conducting quality genomics research. In ddition, the functional genomics literature as it pertains to ardiovascular surgical outcomes is reviewed.
Development of Homoepitaxially Grown GaN Thin Film Layers on Freestanding Bulk m-plane Substrates by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD)

High quality homoepitaxial growth of m-plane GaN films on freestanding m-plane HVPE GaN substrates has been performed using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. For this a large growth space was studied. Large areas of no-nucleation along with presence of high density of defects were observed when layers were grown under growth conditions for c-plane GaN. It is believed that these structural defects were in large part due to the low lateral growth rates as well as unequal lateral growth rates in a- and c- crystallographic directions. To achieve high quality, fully coalesced epitaxial layers, growth conditions were optimized with respect to growth temperature, V/III ratios and reactor pressure. Higher growth temperatures led to smoother surfaces due to increased surface diffusion of adatoms. Overall, growth at higher temperature and lower V/III ratio decreased the surface roughness and resulted in better optical properties as observed by photoluminescence. Although optimization resulted in highly smooth layers, some macroscopic defects were still observed on the epi-surface as a result of contamination and subsurface damage remaining on bulk substrates possibly due to polishing. Addition of a step involving annealing of the bulk substrate under H2: N2 environment, prior to growth, drastically reduced such macroscopic defects.
Efficient continuous wave second harmonic generation pumped at 1.55 μm in quasi-phase-matched AlGaAs waveguides

We have fabricated quasi-phase-matched AlGaAs waveguides for continuous-wave second-harmonic generation (SHG) pumped around 1.55 μm. We find that the losses, which limit the conversion efficiency of this type of waveguide, are resulted from two corrugations—the initial template corrugation and the regrowth-induced domain-boundary corrugations. We are able to reduce the waveguide loss by improving the growth conditions. The waveguide loss is 6–7 dB/cm at 1.55 μm, measured using the Fabry-Perot method. A record internal SHG conversion efficiency of 23 %W-1 for AlGaAs waveguides is achieved using a 5-mm-long waveguide with a pump wavelength of 1.568 μm.
Moisture Quotients for Ammonia Volatilization from Four Soils in Potato Production Regions

Ammonia (NH3) emission from nitrogen (N) fertilizers used in agriculture decreases N uptake by the crop and negatively impacts air quality. In order to better understand the factors influencing NH3 emission from agriculture, this research was conducted with four major soils used for potato production: Biscayne Marl Soil (BMS, pH 7.27), and Krome Gravelly Loam (KGL, pH 7.69) from Florida; and Quincy Fine Sand (QFS, pH 6.65), and Warden Silt Loam (WSL, pH 6.46) from Washington. Potassium nitrate (KNO3), ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4) or urea ((NH)2CO) sources were evaluated for ammonia volatilization at 75 kg N ha−1 rate. The soil water regime was maintained at either 20 or 80% of field capacity (FC), and incubated at 11, 20 or 29°C. Results indicated that NH3 volatilization rate at 20% FC was 2 to 3-fold greater than that at 80% FC. The cumulative volatilization loss over 28 days ranged from 0.21% of N applied as NH4NO3 to 25.7% as (NH4)2SO4. Results of this study demonstrate that NH3 volatilization was accelerated at the low soil water regime. Moisture quotient (Q) is defined as a ratio of NH3 emission rate at 20% FC to that at 80% FC both at the same temperature. The peak Q values of NH3 volatilization were up to 20.8 for the BMS soil at 20°C, 112.9 for the KGL soil at 29°C, 19.0 for the QFS soil at 20°C, and 74.1 for the WSL soil at 29°C, respectively. Thus, maintaining a suitable soil water regime is important to minimize N-loss via NH3 volatilization and to improve N uptake efficiency and air quality.
Transplacental fetal therapy for junctional ectopic tachycardia

Junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) is a rare type of tachyarrhythmia. A 39-year-old woman was transferred to our hospital for fetal tachyarrhythmia at 32 weeks' gestation. Fetal cardiac sonography revealed atrial and ventricular rates of 120-130 and 175-230 bpm, respectively, without 1:1 atrioventricular relationship. As ventricular tachycardia was considered to be the most probable diagnosis, transplacental therapy with digoxin and sotalol was done with partial response. Diagnosis of JET was made after birth. Although fetal JET is rare and prenatal diagnosis and treatment of this condition is still a challenge, differential diagnosis of fetal tachyarrhythmia should include this disorder.
Long-Term Echocardiographic Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Initial Nonresponders.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and clinical implications of a delayed echocardiographic response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Background Long-term prognosis for CRT patients is routinely based on the assessment of echocardiograms after 6 to 12 months of therapy. Some patients, however, may require a longer period of therapy before echocardiographic improvements are detectable. Methods This observational study included all patients with heart failure (HF) receiving a CRT device at a single center from 2003 to 2011. Eligible patients met current indications and had technically adequate echocardiograms from before implantation, approximately 1 year after implantation (mid-term), and ≥3 years after implantation (long-term). A positive echocardiographic response to CRT was defined as a reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume ≥15%. All-cause mortality was compared for patients in 3 response groups: mid-term responders, long-term responders, and nonresponders. Results During this study, 294 patients met the study criteria. Of the 120 patients who were nonresponders after 1 year, 52 (43%) experienced a delayed positive response. Delayed, long-term responders had mortality and hospitalization rates similar to mid-term responders and significantly lower than nonresponders. Conclusions Among patients surviving at least 3 years after implantation of a CRT device and with echocardiographic follow-up, a significant portion of nonresponders after 1 year of CRT experience a delayed echocardiographic response after a longer period of time. Survival and hospitalization rates were similar for all echocardiographic responders, regardless of the time at which the response occurred.
A frequency-domain technique for the optimization of the electrical performance of high-speed multiconductor transmission-line networks in VLSI regimes

An efficient technique for the optimization of the electrical performance of multiconductor transmission line and interconnect networks in VLSI regimes that is based on the minimization of an error function is described. The technique is particularly useful in the design of printed-circuit-board (PCB) interconnects as it significantly reduces the number of time- and/or frequency-domain simulations required to ensure the functionality of a system design. To demonstrate the usefulness of the technique, several numerical examples have been solved and validated by time- and frequency-domain simulations. >
Hospes: The Wabash Center as a Site of Transformative Hospitality

Abstract. The Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion is a place of hospitality and its staff the epitome of the “good host.” This essay explores the meaning of hospitality, including its problematic dimensions, drawing on a number of voices and texts: Jacques Derrida's Of Hospitality; Henri M. Nouwen's Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, N. Lynne Westfield's Dear Sisters: A Womanist Practice of Hospitality, Arthur Sutherland's I Was a Stranger: A Christian Theology of Hospitality, and Kathleen Norris's “Hospitality.” Beginning with the claim that hospitality is concerned with power and grace, the essay explores the relationship between hospitality and teaching, and the modes by which the Wabash Center helps teachers both find their identities and heal.
A Maize Line Resistant to Herbivory Constitutively Releases (E) -β-Caryophyllene

ABSTRACT Various pests, such as those in the order Lepidoptera, frequently feed on young maize (Zea mays) plants and pose a significant threat to plant development and survival. To manage this problem, maize generates a wide variety of responses to attack by pests, from activation of wound-response pathways to the release of volatile compounds. Mp708, an inbred line resistant to feeding by the larvae of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has been developed through traditional breeding methods, but its underlying mechanisms of resistance are still not completely understood. Mp708 has been shown to have a moderately high constitutive expression of jasmonic acid (JA) before infestation by fall armyworm. However, Tx601, a genotype susceptible to feeding by fall armyworm, activates JA pathway only in response to feeding, suggesting that Mp708 is “primed” to respond swiftly to an attack. Current research indicates that fall armyworm show a lack of preference to feeding ...
ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CATIONIC LIPOSOME-DNA COMPLEXES SHOWING ENHANCED STABILITY IN SERUM AND HIGH TRANSFECTION ACTIVITY IN VIVO

Abstract We have investigated the morphology and transfection activity of cationic liposome-DNA complexes (CLDC) under conditions relevant to both in vivo and in vitro studies. Moreover we have attempted to establish structure-function relationships relevant for high transfection activities under both conditions. CLDC were composed of dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide with either 1,2-dioleoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) or cholesterol (Chol) interacting either with pre-condensed DNA or with uncondensed plasmid DNA. Furthermore for steric stabilization 1% poly(ethylene glycol)-phospholipid conjugate was added to CLDC containing Chol and plasmid DNA. The in vivo studies were carried out in mice following i.v. injection, and the in vitro studies were performed on SK-BR-3 human breast cancer cells in the presence of media with serum. The morphology of the CLDC, monitored by freeze-fracture electron microscopy, was investigated after mixing with mouse serum or the medium where the cells were kept. The substitution of DOPE with Chol, and the addition of N -[ω-methoxypoly(oxyethylene)-α-oxycarbonyl-DSPE are producing CLDC which are stabilized with respect to time and serum, and are relatively small (100–300 nm). These stabilized complexes show high expression of a marker gene in mouse lungs reaching expression values up to 10 ng luciferase per mg tissue protein, but relatively low expression in SK-BR-3 cells in vitro. Additionally, some of the complexes containing pre-condensed DNA look like ‘map-pin’ structures showing heads of the size of liposomes and short, stiff and tapering tails. The in vivo transfection activity of these preparations is highest. Similar complexes containing DOPE rather than Chol as helper lipid precipitate in the presence of serum and especially of cell medium and convert into hexagonal lipid (H II ) phase. Such complexes, despite their high transfection activity in vitro, show very little transfection activity in vivo. These comparisons may help us to understand the fundamental difference between in vitro and in vivo activity of CLDC: high in vitro transfection activity seems to be associated with hexagonal lipid precipitates whereas high in vivo activity seems to be related with small, stabilized complexes, which in our case also exhibit some protrusions (map-pin structures).
Defining hypnosis: an integrative, multi-factor conceptualization.

The latest attempt to define hypnosis (Elkins, Barabasz, Council, & Spiegel, 2015) represents a practical compromise definition that seems reasonably acceptable. It meets the authors’ attempt to pr...
Simplified arithmetic for optical symbolic substitution

Simplified arithmetic rules for optical symbolic substitution are identified. The proposed scheme involves only one single step and only four symbolic substitution rules for both addition and subtraction of binary numbers.
Infective Pyomyositis and Myositis in Children in the Era of Community-Acquired, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection

Background. Cases of pyomyositis and myositis have been increasing in frequency at Texas Children's Hospital (Houston) since 2000. The increase appears to correlate with the emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods. The medical records of patients with pyomyositis and myositis hospitalized at Texas Children's Hospital during the period from January 2000 through December 2005 were reviewed. Available S. aureus isolates were obtained for susceptibility testing, to determine the presence of pvl (lukS-PV and lukF-PV), and for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis. Results. Forty-five previously healthy children with bacterial pyomyositis or myositis were analyzed. The causes were S. aureus (in 57.8% of children) and Streptococcus pyogenes (in 2.2%); 40.0% of children had negative culture results. The number of cases increased between 2000 and 2005, primarily as a result of an increase in the prevalence of community-acquired MRSA. The mean patient age was 5.5 years (range, 0.06-15 years). The thigh (40.0% of children) and pelvis (28.9%) were the most commonly affected sites. The mean abscess diameter was 3.5 cm. Eighteen children required at least 1 muscle drainage procedure. Of the 24 available S. aureus isolates (15 community-acquired MRSA isolates and 9 community-acquired, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus [MSSA] isolates), 16 were found to be USA300 by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and 17 carried pvl. Patients with community-acquired MRSA, USA300, and/or pvl-positive strains required more drainage procedures than did those with community-acquired MSSA, non-USA300, and/or pvl-negative strains (81% vs. 40% [P = .05], 82% vs. 29% [P = .02], and 81% vs. 38% [P = .07], respectively). Conclusions. Community-acquired MRSA is an increasing cause of pyomyositis and myositis in children. Community-acquired MRSA, USA300, pvl-positive S. aureus isolates caused more severe disease than did community-acquired MSSA, non-USA300, and pvl-negative isolates, respectively.
Determination of Lα–HII Phase Transition Temperature for 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphatidylethanolamine

The thermodynamic properties of fully-hydrated lipids provide important information about the stability of membranes and the energetic interactions of lipid bilayers with membrane proteins (Nagle and Scott, Physics Today, 2:39, 1978). The lamellar/inverse hexagonal (L(alpha)-H(II)) phase transition of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) water mixtures is a first-order transition and, therefore, at constant pressure, must have a thermodynamically well-defined equilibrium transition temperature. The observed transition temperature is known to be dependent upon the rate at which the temperature is changed, which accounts for the many different values in the literature. X-ray diffraction was used to study the phase transition of fully-hydrated DOPE to determine the rate-independent transition temperature, T(LH). Samples were heated or cooled for a range of rates, 0.212 < r < 225 degrees C/hr, and the rate-dependent apparent phase transition temperatures, T(A)(r) were determined from the x-ray data. By use of a model-free extrapolation method, the transition temperature was found to be T(LH) = 3.33 +/- 0.16 degrees C. The hysteresis, /T(A)(r) - T(LH)/, was identical for heating and cooling rates, +/-r, and varied as /r/beta for beta approximately 1/4. This unexpected power-law relationship is consistent with a previous study (Tate et al., Biochemistry, 31:1081-1092, 1992) but differs markedly from the exponential behavior of activation barrier kinetics. The methods used in this study are general and provide a simple way to determine the true mesomorphic phase transition temperatures of other lipid and lyotropic systems.
Poor Readability of Written Asthma Management Plans Found in National Guidelines

Objective. Written asthma management plans (WAMPs) for patients constitute a key component of current national asthma guidelines, but it is not known whether these plans meet the readability standards (of fifth-grade level or lower) recommended by health education experts. The objective of this study was to assess whether WAMPs presented in national guidelines are written at or below a fifth-grade reading level. Methods. We used readability software to analyze 10 WAMPs. These included 7 from the national guidelines, 1 from the World Health Organization, and 2 local ones. Results. The grade levels for the WAMPs ranged from 4.9 to 9.2. None of the national plans achieved a grade level equal to or below the fifth grade. However, the other plans had grade levels of 4.9, 5.7, and 5.9. The mean grade level for the national plans was 8.1, whereas the mean for the other 3 plans was 5.5. The difference between these 2 sets of WAMPs was significant. Conclusion. WAMPs presented as part of the national guidelines are not written at or below a fifth-grade reading level. However, it is clear from this study that it is possible to achieve this level of readability. Increasing the availability and use of plans that meet recognized readability standards may help to improve asthma outcomes, especially in poor populations in which there is both low literacy and the greatest prevalence and severity of asthma.
Close Together but Worlds Apart? Residential Integration and Interethnic Friendship in Houston

Why—and under what conditions—is residential integration positively associated with interethnic friendships between adults in large, diverse metropolitan areas? Both macrostructural and contact the...
Histiocytic and Dendritic Cell Neoplasms

This article reviews the features of dendritic cells (DCs) of myeloid-derived, plasmacytoid, and follicle-associated types and tumors of these cells, as well as myeloid sarcoma. The morphologic and immunophenotypic features in this group of neoplasms is featured, including mature neoplasms such as Langerhans cell histiocytosis, its malignant counterpart Langerhans cell sarcoma, and S100-negative histiocytic proliferations. More immature or precursor malignancies in this group include myeloid and monocytic leukemias presenting in extramedullary tissues as well as the newly codified blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. Although likely not related histogenetically to myeloid-derived DCs, mesenchymal-type lymph node tumors including follicular dendritic cell and fibroblastic reticulum sarcomas are also discussed. All of these neoplasms can exhibit a range of immunophenotypic and morphologic features that underscore the plasticity of the non-neoplastic precursors from which they are derived.
Mechanical and electrical characterization of self-sensing carbon black ECC

In this paper, the development of a new variation of Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) that aims to combine tensile ductility with self-sensing ability is described. ECC is a new type of high-performance fiber reinforced cementitious composite that exhibits strain-hardening under applied tensile load while resisting fracture localization. The self-sensing ability is achieved by incorporating a small dosage of carbon black (CB) into the ECC system (hereafter known as CB-ECC) to enhance its piezoresistive behavior while maintaining its tensile strain-hardening behavior. The tensile stress-strain response of CB-ECC is studied with an emphasis on its tensile stress and strain capacity, as well as its cracking pattern. In addition, the piezoresistive behavior of CB-ECC under uniaxial tension is investigated. Specifically, the effect of carbon black content on the electrical properties of ECC including the sensitivity of changes in its bulk conductivity under applied tensile strain are explored in detail.
Medical error: the second victim

Personal view p 812 When I was a house officer another resident failed to identify the electrocardiographic signs of the pericardial tamponade that would rush the patient to the operating room late that night. The news spread rapidly, the case tried repeatedly before an incredulous jury of peers, who returned a summary judgment of incompetence. I was dismayed by the lack of sympathy and wondered secretly if I could have made the same mistake—and, like the hapless resident, become the second victim of the error. Strangely, there is no place for mistakes in modern medicine. Society has entrusted physicians with the burden of understanding and dealing with illness. Although it is often said that “doctors are only human,” technological wonders, the apparent precision of laboratory tests, and innovations that present tangible images of illness have in fact created an expectation of perfection. Patients, who have an understandable need to consider their doctors infallible, have colluded with doctors to deny the existence of error. Hospitals react to every error as an anomaly, for which the solution is to ferret out and blame an individual, with a promise that “it will never happen again.” Paradoxically, this approach has diverted attention …
Neuroantigen-Specific Autoregulatory CD8+ T Cells Inhibit Autoimmune Demyelination through Modulation of Dendritic Cell Function

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a well-established murine model of multiple sclerosis, an immune-mediated demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). We have previously shown that CNS-specific CD8+ T cells (CNS-CD8+) ameliorate EAE, at least in part through modulation of CNS-specific CD4+ T cell responses. In this study, we show that CNS-CD8+ also modulate the function of CD11c+ dendritic cells (DC), but not other APCs such as CD11b+ monocytes or B220+ B cells. DC from mice receiving either myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-specific CD8+ (MOG-CD8+) or proteolipid protein-specific CD8+ (PLP-CD8+) T cells were rendered inefficient in priming T cell responses from naive CD4+ T cells (OT-II) or supporting recall responses from CNS-specific CD4+ T cells. CNS-CD8+ did not alter DC subset distribution or MHC class II and CD86 expression, suggesting that DC maturation was not affected. However, the cytokine profile of DC from CNS-CD8+ recipients showed lower IL-12 and higher IL-10 production. These functions were not modulated in the absence of immunization with CD8-cognate antigen, suggesting an antigen-specific mechanism likely requiring CNS-CD8-DC interaction. Interestingly, blockade of IL-10 in vitro rescued CD4+ proliferation and in vivo expression of IL-10 was necessary for the suppression of EAE by MOG-CD8+. These studies demonstrate a complex interplay between CNS-specific CD8+ T cells, DC and pathogenic CD4+ T cells, with important implications for therapeutic interventions in this disease.
Earthquake modeling by stick-slip along precut surfaces in stressed foam rubber

Stick-slip along precut surfaces in stressed foam rubber is similar to earthquake faulting, stick-slip in rock specimens, and theoretical predictions. An additional feature is the common occurrence of multiple events. A significant amount of slip occurs as fault creep. For simple one-slip events on a long fault, the peak particle velocities near the center of the fault average about half the value Δσβ/μ, with Δσβ/μ apparently being a good upper bound. The variation is probably due to focusing by rupture propagation. On a circular fault, the peak values average 3 to 4 times less, partly a result of a greater amount of fault creep, and probably, partly a result of focusing by rupture propagation. Total stress drops are typically about 10 to 20 per cent of the absolute stress, and during individual events about 80 to 90 per cent of the released strain energy is dissipated as friction. For multiple events the cumulative source time function is usually much longer than the source dimension divided by the shear-wave velocity. Thus, the far-field spectrum would have the shape for fractional stress drop, but the low-frequency spectral corner would not correspond to the fault dimension; thus, the inferred stress drops would be too low. Multiple events may explain some anomalously low inferred stress drops for small earthquakes and may partly explain the success of surface-wave excitation as a method of distinguishing underground nuclear explosions from earthquakes. Foam rubber models may be used to study strong motion around various types of faults and, thus, aid in the problem of microzonation.
BRUISE CONTROL INFECTION Study : Blood and Bugs∗

Transvenous pacemakers have been used for over 50 years and transvenous defibrillators for over 25 years; efforts to analyze complications affecting patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have intensified [(1,2)][1]. Infection is a devastating complication experienced by
Absorption of Lactic Acid from an Isolated Intestinal Segment in the Intact Rat

SummaryLactic acid absorption was studied in anesthetized rats by perfusing isolated segments of small intestine or colon with sodium lactate-1-14C for 2 hours. The concentration and pH of the perfusate were varied. Absorption was maximum at pH 2.8, near the pK of lactate, and minimum at physiologic pH. Absorption was directly related to concentration of the lactate perfused and it was not affected by a metabolic inhibitor. The jejunum was the site of maximum absorption. Absorbed lactate was metabolized to 14CO2. Poor lactate absorption at physiologic pH and in the distal intestine might lead to an osmotic diarrhea in certain patients with malabsorption.
Comparison of energy expenditure measurements by diet records, energy intake balance, doubly labeled water and room calorimetry.

Comparison of energy expenditure measurements by diet records, energy intake balance, doubly labeled water and room calorimetry
Preliminary Report of the Effects of Bacterial Species upon the European Corn Borer

Suspensions of 16 bacterial species were sprayed only on egg stages of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). Except for 1 test, a single species of bacteria was sprayed on the eggs. In all tests larval mortality was slight. Egg production per female averaged 390 in the control group. Females derived from eggs treated with Serratia marcescens Bizio averaged 278 eggs; females from eggs treated with Escherichia coli (Migula) averaged 200 eggs. Females from eggs treated with both S. marcescens and E. coli averaged 144 eggs. There was no indication of transovarial infection by S. marcescens or E. coli .
Work -Centered Support for Counterspace Operations

Satellites are critical assets to our national security thus making them tempting targets for adversari es. Unfortunately the lack of tools that provide situational awareness on the ground makes the process of identifying and classifying many types of attacks difficult at best. This paper will discuss methods being investigated to improve human -system inte rfaces for counterspace operations using the W ork -Centered Support System (WCSS) concept . A focus of WCSS is to integrate intelligent agents to improve the human's ability to gather, fuse, interpret , and apply information from possibly disparate sources. Preliminary studies have shown a considerable decrease in time and errors by applying similar concepts for satellite troubleshooting .
Joint Mission Planning Decision Support System

In order to provide decision support for the whole process of Joint Mission Planning, the conception and characteristics of Joint Mission Decision Support System (JMP_DSS) were analyzed, and the military demand of JMP_DSS was studied and the whole framework was designed. And on such basis, the realization and application of prototype system were introduced.
Psychotherapy vs. pharmacotherapy: are psychiatrists polarized?--A survey of academic and clinical faculty.

The degree to which community clinical psychiatric practice is polarized between psychological and biological treatments is not known. We surveyed academic and clinical psychiatric faculty to deter...