cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression of the ZEB1 (δEF1) transcription factor in human: additional insights

The zinc finger E-box binding transcription factor ZEB1 (δEF1/Nil-2-a/AREB6/zfhx1a/TCF8/zfhep/BZP) is emerging as an important regulator of the epithelial to mesenchymal transitions (EMT) required for development and cancer metastasis. ZEB1 promotes EMT by repressing genes contributing to the epithelial phenotype while activating those associated with the mesenchymal phenotype. TCF8 (zfhx1a), the gene encoding ZEB1, is induced by several potentially oncogenic ligands including TGF-β, estrogen, and progesterone. TGF-β appears to activate EMT, at least in part, by inducing ZEB1. However, our understanding of how ZEB1 contributes to signaling pathways elicited by estrogen and progesterone is quite limited, as is our understanding of its functional roles in normal adult tissues. To begin to address these questions, a human tissue mRNA array analysis was done. In adults, the highest ZEB1 mRNA expression is in bladder and uterus, whereas in the fetus highest expression is in lung, thymus, and heart. To further investigate the regulation of TCF8 by estrogen, ZEB1 mRNA was measured in ten estrogen-responsive cell lines, but it is only induced in the OV266 ovarian carcinoma line. Although high expression of ZEB1 mRNA is estrogen-dependent in normal human ovarian and endometrial biopsies, high expression is estrogen-independent in late stage ovarian and endometrial carcinomas, raising the possibility that deregulated expression promotes cancer progression. In contrast, TCF8 is at least partially deleted in 4 of 5 well-differentiated, grade I endometrial carcinomas, which may contribute to their non-aggressive phenotype. These data support the contention that high ZEB1 encourages gynecologic carcinoma progression.
Electrophysiologic and electrocardiographic effects, efficacy and safety of encainide in malignant ventricular arrhythmias associated with coronary artery disease

The electrophysiologic and electrocardiographic effects, efficacy and safety of encainide were evaluated in 48 patients with coronary artery disease undergoing programmed stimulation for ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The study group included 41 men and 7 women, aged 64 ± 8 years (mean ± standard deviation), who had presented with nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) (4 patients), sustained VT (32), ventricular fibrillation (8) or unexplained syncope (4). The left ventricular ejection fraction averaged 34 ± 13%. The arrhythmias induced at the baseline, drug-free electrophysiologic study included nonsustained VT in 8 patients, sustained VT in 35 and ventricular fibrillation in 5. All patients had failed ≥1 class IA and a combination of class IA and IB agents (mean 2.2 ± 1.1 drugs) before encainide. Oral encainide was given in a mean daily dose of 80 ± 11 mg for ≥3 days before repeat programmed stimulation. Encainide was discontinued before follow-up electrophysiologic testing in 5 patients due to spontaneous development of new sustained VT. Of the 43 patients undergoing electropharmacologic testing with encainide, 5 had no inducible arrhythmia. In 9 patients VT was inducible by fewer extrastimuli, in 2 patients a previously stable VT required cardioversion, whereas in 28 patients VT remained inducible by the same number of or more extrastimuli. Thus, encainide prevented the induction of VT or ventricular fibrillation in 5 of 48 patients (10%), while it had a possible proarrhythmic effect in 15 patients (31%). Of the 5 patients without inducible VT administered long-term encainide therapy, 1 returned within 4 weeks of hospital discharge with VT recurrence. Encainide has limited efficacy (10%) for prevention of ventricular arrhythmia induction by programmed stimulation, a high incidence of possible proarrhythmia (31%) and a late failure rate of 20% (1 of 5) despite noninducibility at electrophysiologic testing.
Thermal conductivity and isotopic impurities in single crystals of helium

We have utilized the enhancement of thermal conductivity by Poiseuille flow of the phonon gas to obtain highly sensitive measurements of phonon scattering by isotopic impurities in single crystals of helium. Crystal orientation, size, and quality may be inferred from the thermal conductivity data themselves. Our hcp4He crystals were grown at a constant pressure of 85.1 atm using apparatus and techniques that made possible some control over crystal orientation. An isotopic impurity concentration of 1.0×10−5 decreases the peak conductivity in these crystals by a factor of 1.9 along a direction perpendicular to thec axis. In the Poiseuille region a relaxation time limit has been achieved experimentally that allows our data to be fitted as a function of temperature and concentration with only one parameter. The observed scattering strength is a factor of 2.7 greater than can be explained in terms of mass-defect scattering alone. A number of current theories are examined in the light of this result. Our pure4He data strongly support aT−3 dependence for the normal-process relaxation time. Measurements of the thermal conductivity parallel to thec axis reveal no anisotropy in either the normal-process relaxation time or the isotopic scattering strength.
Is cellular disruption the mechanism of release of basic fibroblast growth factor from anterior pituitary gonadotropes

Abstract Adult female Fischer 344 (F344) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, intact and ovariectomized (10–30d), have been used for immunolocalization of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF). Tissues were selected from three specific sites (postero-lateral, lateral wing, and anterior wedge) of the periphery of the anterior pituitary (AP) carefully maintaining the association between the gland and the highly vascular meningeal connective tissue which envelops it. In both rat strains, most of the periphery of the AP was characterized by intact parenchymal cells delimited from the meningeal connective tissue by an intact basal lamina. However, foci also were evident in which parenchymal cells projected directly into the connective tissue without a basal lamina intervening. These zones, designated the Non-Delimited Peripheral Parenchyma (NDPP), were present minimally in control rats, but were more numerous in ovariectomized rats. Profiles of focally disrupted gonadotropes were evident within the NDPP of 20–30d ovariectomized rats juxtaposed against intact, granulated parenchymal cells. Partially disrupted gonadotropes also were evident within the peripheral parenchyma within approximately 100μ of the edge, and occasionally the disruptions resulted in an association of neighboring gonadotropes as a syncytium. FGF was localized only within the cytosol of gonadotropes, i.e., cells immunopositive for LH-β and FSH-β subunits. Gonadotropes nearer to the edges of the AP, especially the postero-lateral edge, were the most intensely stained. Electron microscopy and immunostaining for S-100 protein, a marker for folliculostellate cells (FSC), demonstrated that in intact and ovariectomized SD rats FSC were present in all peripheral zones of the AP, whereas portions of the postero-lateral periphery of the AP of intact and ovariectomized F344 rats often lacked FSC. We propose that FGF may be released from the cytosol of gonadotropes by a mechanism of cellular disruption. FGF released at peripheral sites of the AP would be well-positioned to stimulate angiogenesis from systemic blood vessels within the meninges. Since FSC are known phagocytes within the AP, their consistent presence in the periphery of the AP of SD rats may help regulate the effects of the released FGF, and by contrast, their absence in F344 rats may intensify or prolong the effects of released FGF. Such differences may underlie the higher incidence of pituitary tumors in F344 rats.
Infant and child mortality in Bangladesh.

Socioeconomic differences and trends in infant and child mortality in Bangladesh are examined using data from the 1975 World Fertility Survey and 1979 Contraceptive Prevalence Survery. There is evidence of some recent decline in infant mortality and child mortality. Logit analysis of infant and child mortality indicates that sociodemographic variables such as mothers education recent period or higher birth orders has significant independent effects upon the reduction of infant and child mortality. Other variables such as fetal loss fathers education or land ownership had no consistent significant effect. On the other hand the effect of urban residence on infant and child mortality was positive after the control of sociodemographic variables. Mere concentration on the supply of modern medical services may bring limited returns unless they are reinforced by appropriate social changes in particular those affecting the socioeconomic status of women. Educated mothers are likely to belong to higher income households have better knowledge of how to care for children and can bring more resources to the care of a sick child.
An 18-year-old with effort-related arm swelling.

A high school senior with a baseball scholarship presents with the acute onset of swelling in his nondominant arm. What is the most likely diagnosis and the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?
Mitral valve E-point septal separation as an indicator of ejection fraction in patients with reversed septal motion

The mitral valve E-point septal separation (EPSS) is widely used as an M-mode echocardiographic indicator of normal or abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction. Other M-mode echocardiographic estimates of left ventricular function (eg, fractional shortening) have limited utility in the presence of abnormal septal motion. The utility of EPSS was investigated in predicting a normal or abnormal ejection fraction in 27 patients with reversed septal motion, and to compare these results with 103 patients with normal septal motion. It was determined that EPSS is valid as an indicator of the presence of a normal or abnormal ejection fraction regardless of abnormalities of septal motion.
The darkest side of trust: validating the generalized communication suspicion scale with prison inmates

Abstract Reliability and validity of the Generalized Communication Suspicion scale (GCS; Levine & McCornack, 1991) was tested in this research with prisoners who participated in three studies ( N = 207, ages 18–84). Convergent validity was assessed using Interpersonal Trust (Rotter, 1967) and Locus of Control scales (Paulhus & Van Selst, 1990). Divergent validity was tested using Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem scale (1965), and a hypothetically-unrelated prisoner’s self-rating of overall health. Trichotomized GCS on lie-bias did not substantiate predictive utility of the scale. Further studies could include a design that incorporates multiple levels of prisoner custody to better measure the predictive utility of the scale.
Central role of α9 acetylcholine receptor in coordinating keratinocyte adhesion and motility at the initiation of epithelialization

Abstract Epithelialization, a major component of wound healing, depends on keratinocyte adhesion and migration. Initiation of migration relies upon the ability of keratinocytes to free themselves from neighboring cells and basement membrane. The local cytotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) controls keratinocyte adhesion and locomotion through different classes of ACh receptors (AChR). In this study, we explored signaling pathways downstream of the α9 AChR subtype that had been shown to control cell shape and cytoplasm mobility. Inactivation of α9 signaling by pharmacologic antagonism and RNA interference in keratinocyte cultures and null mutation in knockout mice delayed wound re-epithelialization in vitro and in vivo , respectively, and diminished the extent of colony scattering and cell outgrowth from the megacolony. Although keratinocytes at the leading edge elongated, produced filopodia and moved out, most of them remained anchored to the substrate by long cytoplasmic processes that stretched during their migration instead of retracting the uropod. Since the velocity of keratinocyte migration was not altered, we investigated the role of α9 in assembly/disassembly of the cell–cell and cell–matrix adhesion complexes. Stimulation of α9 upregulated in a time-dependent fashion phosphorylation of the adhesion molecules comprising focal adhesions (FAK, paxillin) and intercellular junctions (β-catenin, desmoglein 3) as well as cytokeratins. Stimulation of α9 was associated with activation of phospholipase C, Src, EGF receptor kinase, protein kinase C, Rac and Rho, whereas inhibition of this receptor interfered with phosphorylation of adhesion and cytoskeletal proteins, and also altered cell–cell cohesion. We conclude that signaling through α9 AChR is critical for completion of the very early stages of epithelialization. By activating α9 AChR, ACh can control the dynamics and strength of cell–cell cohesion, disabling of a trailing uropod and disassembly and reassembly of focal adhesions, thus facilitating crawling locomotion.
Institutional Change in the House of Representatives, 1867–1998: A Test of Partisan and Ideological Power Balance Models

I examine competing explanations for House rules changes with significant partisan overtones. I sought to identify all rules changes adopted from 1867 to 1998 that were intended either to advantage or to undermine the majority party and its leaders in their efforts to shape the House agenda. I test a majority party cartel model of institutional change against a model that focuses on the ideological balance of power on the floor, that is, on the closeness of the median voter to the median member of the majority and minority parties. I also evaluate the conditional party government approach. The data analysis suggests the preeminent importance of shifts in the ideological balance. Two variables identified by the conditional party government theory, party polarization and party capacity, obtain limited support, but their effect is neither as robust nor as large in magnitude as that of change in the median voter's position.
Some existence and construction results of polygonal designs

This paper revisits the existence and construction problems for polygonal designs (a special class of partially balanced incomplete block designs associated with regular polygons). We present new polygonal designs with various parameter sets by explicit construction. In doing so we employ several construction methods - some conventional and some new. We also establish a link between a class of polygonal designs of block size 3 and the cyclically generated '@l-fold triple systems'. Finally, we show that the existence question for a certain class of polygonal designs is equivalent to the existence question for 'perfect grouping systems' which we introduce.
Monoclonal antibody studies in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and allied disorders.

Lymphocytes from 48 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and allied disorders were examined with a panel of monoclonal antibodies and conventional surface marker techniques. Surface immunoglobulin (SIg) and 1a-like antigen were regularly present on B-CLL cells. In addition, 24 of 32 specimens reacted with OKT1, a monoclonal antibody which detects both peripheral and thymic T cells, but reactivity was not observed with anti-T-cell monoclonal antibodies of more restricted specificity (OKT3, OKT4, OKT6, OKT8 or OKT11). Eighteen of 20 samples in which only SIgM was detected were OKT1 –positive, while all 4 with only SIgG were OKT1—negative. Cells from patients with hairy cell leukemia were unreactive with OKT1, but resembled B-CLL lymphocytes in the presence of clonal SIg and 1a-like antigen. Neoplastic plasma cells lacked 1a-like antigen and frequently SIg (2 of 5), but cytoplasmic immunoglobulin was present, cells reacted with OKT 10 (replicating lymphoid cells) and 2 of 5 with OKT9 (transferrin receptor) as well. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma samples were reactive with the anti-T-cell monoclonal antibodies OKT1, OKT3 and OKT4 even when the sheep cell receptor could not be detected. Monoclonal antibodies can provide more certain diagnosis and superior resolution of cell lineage in these disorders than is possible by morphology alone.
Congenital Heart Surgery Nomenclature and Database Project: mitral valve disease

The extant nomenclature for mitral valve disease is reviewed for the purpose of establishing a unified reporting system. The subject was debated and reviewed by members of the STS-Congenital Heart Surgery Database Committee and representatives from the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery. All efforts were made to include all relevant nomenclature categories using synonyms where appropriate. Mitral valve disease has been subdivided into stenotic and regurgitant lesions. Lesions have been characterized further by etiology and by anatomic location: supravalvar, valvar, and subvalvar. A comprehensive database set is presented which is based on a hierarchical scheme. Data are entered at various levels of complexity and detail which can be determined by the clinician. These data can lay the foundation for comprehensive risk stratification analyses. A minimum database set is also presented which will allow for data sharing and would lend itself to basic interpretation of trends. Outcome tables relating diagnoses, procedures, and various risk factors are presented.
Analytic Reviews : Hypervolemic Hemodilution in Acute Ischemic Stroke

In patients with acute ischemic stroke, reversibility of the neurologic deficits depends on the depth and dura tion of the ischemic insult. The rapid elevation of cere bral blood flow (CBF) above ischemic thresholds may minimize or prevent infarction. Reduction of blood vis cosity has been shown to augment CBF and improve cerebral neuronal activity after stroke. Hypervolemic hemodilution decreases hematocrit, increases blood volume, augments cardiac output, and, in randomized clinical trials, improves the long-term outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Similarly, administration of drugs that decrease plasma fibrinogen and increase erythrocyte flexibility reportedly causes a decrease in the incidence of recurrent ischemia after an initial transient ischemic attack. Thus, the pharmacologic manipulation of blood viscosity appears to be effective in managing patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Percolation study of defect tolerance in missing-crossbar networks

Abstract We present a percolation study of two-dimensional crossbar networks and investigate their defect tolerance to missing crossbars. We find that the rate at which connectivity degrades in such circuits is nearly constant up to a missing-crossbar fraction f of about 50%, for both site and bond percolation. On the other hand, for f>0.5 the rate of defect tolerance decreases very rapidly. This study provides a measure of the degree of reliability of crossbar networks presently envisioned for nanoelectronics, suggesting that this type of architecture is quite robust with respect to defect concentration.
Perfect equilibrium in non-randomized strategies in a class of symmetric dynamic games☆

Abstract This paper considers a class of infinite-horizon dynamic games that has immediate application to problems stemming from the oligopolistic exploitation of (renewable or non-renewable) common property resources. Under a symmetry assumption on the payoff structure, it is shown that the game admits a subgameperfect equilibrium in non-randomized Markovian strategies. These equilibrium strategies possess certain strong regularity properties which facilitate characterization of equilibrium play. Stationary equilibria are not Pareto-optimal in a convex environment. Additionally, such equilibria necessarily result in monotonic trajectories.
The "fundamental theorem" for the algebraic K-theory of spaces. iii. the nil-term

In this paper we identify the "nil-terms" for Waldhausen's algebraic K-theory of spaces functor as the reduced K-theory of a category of equivariant spaces equipped with a homotopically nilpotent endomorphism.
Solar Total Irradiance Observations by Active Cavity Radiometers

Pyrheliometry, definition of the radiation scale in the International System of Units and monitoring the variability of solar total irradiance have been a focus of research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory since the mid 1960’s. A series of automated, electrically self-calibrating, cavity pyrheliometers known as Active Cavity Radiometers (ACR’s) was developed as part of this program. A series of ground based experiments in 1968–69 led to the discovery of a systematic error in the International Pyrheliometric Scale. ACR’s were among the instruments used to define the World Radiometric Reference in 1975.
Intrusive Origin of the Matsushiro Earthquake Swarm

Vertical and horizontal displacements, seismicity, and local magnetic field variations observed during and after the Matsushiro earthquake swarm in central Honshu, Japan, appear to be consistent with inflation of a shallow magma reservoir within a crust containing pre-existing horizontal shear stresses. Theoretical analysis shows that increased magma pressure accompanying intrusion causes a domal uplift and also reduces the pressure in adjacent rocks. Reduced pressure implies lower frictional forces on fault planes and therefore accounts for the observed diffuse seismicity and left-lateral faulting. The coseismic increase of local magnetic field intensity is in accord with the piezomagnetic effect expected during growth of a magma inclusion; the subsequent slow decrease of the field in the five years following the swarm is explained by thermal demagnetization of host rocks. Concurrent gravity changes, although comparable to estimated errors, and spring-water outflow fluctuations are compatible with both the intrusion and dilatancy fluid-flow hypotheses.
Evidence that the NH2-terminus of substance P modulates N-methyl-d-aspartate-induced activity by an action involving σ receptors

Behaviors induced in mice by intrathecal injections of either N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) or kainic acid are modulated by NH2-terminal fragments of substance P, such as substance P-(1–7). The action of substance P-(1–7) on kainic acid depends on σ receptor activity. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that σ receptor activity is also necessary for modulation of NMDA by substance P-(1–7). Intrathecal injection of mice with NMDA results in a brief burst of biting and scratching behaviors which decrease in intensity when NMDA is injected repeatedly at 2 min intervals. Pretreatment with 1,3-di-O-tolylguanidine (DTG), a ligand at both σ1 and σ2 sites, converted NMDA-induced desensitization to sensitization, thereby enhancing tonic NMDA receptor activity. Although haloperidol (30 min) alone was without effect, the potentiation of NMDA-induced activity by DTG was abolished by haloperidol but unaffected by an equimolar dose of either spiperone or thiothixine, two dopamine receptor antagonists. When mice received substance P-(1–7), NMDA-induced behaviors were initially inhibited but then potentiated. Pretreatment with haloperidol prevented both inhibitory and potentiative effects of substance P-(1–7) whereas thiothixine did not, suggesting inhibitory as well as potentiative modulation of NMDA by σ receptor activity. Endogenous σ1 receptor activity may enhance NMDA receptor activity as a treatment regimen that down-regulates σ1 binding also inhibited responses to NMDA. In contrast, pretreatment with haloperidol just 5 min prior to challenge, which blocks both σ1 and σ2 receptor activity, increased responses to NMDA suggesting an inhibitory effect of σ2 receptor activity. In summary, modulation of NMDA by substance P-(1–7) appears to depend on activity at σ sites as substance P-(1–7) mimicked the potentiative effects of DTG, while haloperidol inhibited the effects of both DTG and substance P-(1–7).
Application of spin labeling to drug assays. I. Synthesis of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐4‐one‐1‐oxyl‐15N‐d16

Spin labeled drugs can be utilized for immunoassays and determining the fraction of free drug in serum. To improve the sensitivity we have synthesized triacetonamine-15N-d17 by cyclization of phorone-d14 with 15ND3. Phorone-d14 was obtained by condensation of acetone-d6. Triacetonamine-15N-d17 gave Tempone-15N-d16, a nitroxide with just two absorption peaks on the ESR spectrum, whereas Tempone gives 3 peaks. The contribution to line width of methylene and methy1 hydrogens of Tempone is evaluated by appropriate substitution of protium with deuterium.
A history of the isolation and identification of vitamin B(6).

In the 1930s, Rudolf Peters showed that young rats kept on a semi-synthetic diet with added thiamin and riboflavin but no other supplement developed 'rat acrodynia', a condition characterized by severe cutaneous lesions. In 1934, Paul Gyorgy showed that the factor which cured 'rat acrodynia' was vitamin B(6). Other studies soon showed that vitamin B(6) deficiency produced convulsions in rats, pigs, and dogs, and a microcytic anemia in certain animals. Samuel Lepkovsky isolated and crystallized vitamin B(6) in 1938. The following year, Leslie Harris and Karl Folkers, and Richard Kuhn and his associates independently showed that vitamin B(6) was a pyridine derivative, 3-hydroxy-4,5-dihydroxy-methyl-2-methyl-pyridine. Gyorgy proposed the term pyridoxine for this derivative. Esmond Snell developed a microbiological growth assay in 1942 that led to the characterization of pyridoxamine, the animated product of pyridoxine, and pyridoxal, the formyl derivative of pyridoxine. Further studies showed that pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and pyridoxine have largely equal activity in animals and owe their vitamin activity to the ability of the organism to convert them into the enzymatically active form pyridoxal-5-phosphate. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate plays a role in a wide variety of enzyme systems, especially in the metabolic utilization and transformation of amino acids.
Populations of Parameters Related to Dynamic Cumulus Seeding over Florida

Abstract Radar populations of seedable clouds observed between 4.57 km (15,000 ft) and 7.62 km (25,000 ft) each hour were gathered near Miami and Tampa during various months through the year. They show that numbers of tops in this range vary greatly from year to year and one location to another. The maximum was 503 tops in July 1971 over 4396 km2 near Miami; the minimum was zero in the identical area from 16 to 30 April 1970. Diurnal variations are also shown. The one-dimensional Lagrangian cumulus model EMB 68K was used to calculate potential top growth due to seeding supercooled cumuli with silver iodide by the dynamic method. This computation was made for all Miami and Tampa soundings between 16 April and 31 May, 1969. Given cloud base at 610 m, radii were found that reached heights of 6.10 and 7.62 km unseeded; then the seedability was obtained for these radii with the numerical model. From the numerous statistics shown for these radii, it was determined, for example, that seedability is larger when c...
Elevated temperature fracture toughness of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag sheet: Characterization and modeling

The plane-strain initiation fracture toughness (KJICi) and plane-stress crack growth resistance of two Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy sheets are characterized as a function of temperature by a J-integral method. For AA2519 +Mg+Ag, KJICi decreases from 32.5 MPa√m at 25 °C to 28.5 MPa√m at 175 °C, while KJICi for a lower Cu variant increases from 34.2 MPa√m at 25 °C to 36.0 MPa√m at 150 °C. Crack-tip damage in AA2519+Mg+Ag evolves by nucleation and growth of voids from large undissolved Al2Cu particles, but fracture resistance is controlled by void sheeting coalescence associated with dispersoids. Quantitative fractography, three-dimensional (3-D) reconstruction of fracture surfaces, and metallographic crack profiles indicate that void sheeting is retarded as temperature increases from 25 °C to 150°C, consistent with a rising fracture resistance. Primary microvoids nucleate from smaller constituent particles in the low Cu alloy, and fracture strain increases. A strain-controlled micromechanical model accurately predicts KJICi as a function of temperature, but includes a critical distance parameter (l*) that is not definable a priori. Nearly constant initiation toughness for AA2519+Mg+Ag is due to rising fracture strain with temperature, which balances the effects of decreasing flow strength, work hardening, and elastic modulus on the crack-tip strain distribution. Ambient temperature toughnesses of the low Cu variant are comparable to those of AA2519+Mg+Ag, despite increased fracture strain, because of reduced constituent spacing and l*.
The effect of transporting, scoring and roping on cortisol concentrations in acclimated roping calves

This study evaluated the effect of transportation, scoring and roping activities on cortisol concentration in acclimated calves. A total of 16 cross-bred Longhorn calves between 4 and 6 months old and ranging in weight between 104 and 136 kg were used. These calves were preconditioned to roping for 6 weeks prior to study and were randomly allotted to treatments based on a Latin Square experimental design with treatments as follows; remaining at farm (farm), transport to arena (transport), twice passing through roping chute but not being roped (score) and twice being roped and tied (rope). Blood samples were collected via jugular vena puncture, received respective treatment and then second blood samples were collected. This experiment was replicated twice (n = 8 calves, per year), and calves were roped twice per day for 3 days per week during the study. The data was analysed by replicate and by pooled data. The mean±SE pre-event and change in serum cortisol concentrations (µg/dL) were: farm (n = 16), 4.5±0...
Sporadic hemiplegic migraine and epilepsy associated with CACNA1A gene mutation

Familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease most commonly linked to CACNA1A gene mutation. Epilepsy rarely occurs in FHM and is seen predominantly with specific CACNA1A gene mutations. Here we report a sporadic case of FHM1 linked to S218L CACNA1A gene mutation with the triad of prolonged hemiplegic migraine, cerebellar symptoms, and epileptic seizures. Epilepsy in this syndrome follows the pattern of isolated unprovoked seizures occurring only during childhood and hemiplegic migraine-provoked seizures occurring during adulthood. Clinical and electrographic status epilepticus can occur during prolonged migraine attacks. We suggest that patients with seizures, ataxia, and hemiplegic migraine be genetically tested for FHM. Patients with prolonged hemiplegic migraine attacks and confusion should be tested with continuous EEG recording to ascertain whether electrographic status is occurring, as intensive antiepileptic treatment not only resolves status but immediately stops hemiplegic migraine and improves associated neurological deficits.
Structure and photoluminescence studies of porous silicon formed in ferric ion containing stain etchants

Stain etching of silicon in aqueous solutions composed of FeCl 3 + HF + concentrated (HClO 4 or H 2 SO 4 ) leads to highly luminescent porous Si with a unique dual layer structure. The upper layer (∼3 μm thick) exhibits bluer luminescence (peaked at 560―590 nm) and a porosity in excess of 84%. The lower layer exhibits redder luminescence (peaked at 630―645 nm) and a lower porosity. Both layers are crystalline and are composed predominantly of uniform micropores. Because of the substantially higher porosity of the upper layer, this layer is highly susceptible to cracking and exfoliation. Critical point drying greatly reduces cracking and exfoliation but does not eliminate cracking completely. Brushing easily removes the upper layer while leaving the lower layer intact and the removed material remains photoluminescent. Scanning electron micrograph and photoluminescence spectrum from a stain etched film dried in air from a methanol rinse.
A kinetic study of the initial oxidation of the Ni(001) surface by RHEED and x-ray emission

Abstract Nickel (001) surfaces were prepared by a combination of high temperature oxidation, argon ion bombardment and hydrogen reduction. The oxidation of this surface in pure C2 to form NiO was studied by reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and X-ray emission. On exposure to oxygen the “clean” surface was found to chemisorb oxygen to produce a coverage of 0.014 micro g cm 2 in an ordered c(2 × 2) structure. Within this film there appears to exist a number of nucleation sites dependent on temperature and step density. Growth is by oxygen capture at the periphery of these sites to produce oxide islands approximately three oxygen planes thick which spread to cover the surface. At room temperature this film does not thicken with additional oxygen exposure.
Key environmental human health issues in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basins.

In May 1997,Health Conference '97—Great Lakes/St. Lawrence, an international conference on the effects of the environment on human health in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basins, was held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This was the third international conference on this topic sponsored by agencies in the United States and Canada. More than 120 platform and poster presentations were given by scientists of different disciplines from the Great Lakes region and elsewhere. The presentations represented the most current research findings on the effects of the Great Lakes environment on human health. The reports covered environmental contaminant levels of persistent toxic substances (PTSs), routes and pathways of exposure, exposure assessment and human tissue levels of PTSs, human health outcomes, risk communication and assessment, and approaches to scientific collaboration. Reports indicate that levels of contaminants in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River basins have generally declined since the 1970s, although certain contaminants have plateaued or slightly increased. The findings include elevated body burden levels of contaminants in persons who consume large amounts of some Great Lakes sport fish, developmental deficits and neurologic problems in children of some fish-consuming parents, nervous system dysfunction in adults, and disturbances in reproductive parameters. The findings underscore the need for better public health intervention strategies.
Stress, cytokine patterns and susceptibility to disease

Recent evidence indicates that glucocorticoids and catecholamines, the end-products of the stress system, and histamine, a product of activated mast cells, might selectively suppress cellular immunity, and favour humoral immune responses. This is mediated by a differential effect of stress hormones and histamine, on T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 patterns and type 1/type 2-cytokine production. Thus, systemically, stress might induce a Th2 shift, while, locally, under certain conditions, it might induce pro-inflammatory activities through neural activation of the peripheral corticotropin-releasing factor-mast cell-histamine axis. Through the above mechanisms, stress may influence the onset and/or course of infectious, autoimmune/inflammatory, allergic and neoplastic diseases.
Microbial 1-butanol production: Identification of non-native production routes and in silico engineering interventions.

The potential of engineering microorganisms with non-native pathways for the synthesis of longchain alcohols has been identified as a promising route to biofuels. We describe computationally derived predictions for assembling pathways for the production of biofuel candidate molecules and subsequent metabolic engineering modifications that optimize product yield. A graph-based algorithm illustrates that, by culling information from BRENDA and KEGG databases, all possible pathways that link the target product with metabolites present in the production host are identified. Subsequently, we apply our recent OptForce procedure to pinpoint reaction modifications that force the imposed product yield in Escherichia coli. We demonstrate this procedure by suggesting new pathways and genetic interventions for the overproduction of 1-butanol using the metabolic model for Escherichia coli. The graph-based search method recapitulates all recent discoveries based on the 2-ketovaline intermediate and hydroxybutyryl-CoA but also pinpointes one novel pathway through thiobutanoate intermediate that to the best of our knowledge has not been explored before.
Adaptive Optics Observations of Exoplanets, Brown Dwarfs, & Binary Stars

The current direct observations of brown dwarfs and exoplanets have been obtained using instruments not specifically designed for overcoming the large contrast ratio between the host star and any wide-separation faint companions. However, we are about to witness the birth of several new dedicated observing platforms specifically geared towards high contrast imaging of these objects. The Gemini Planet Imager, VLT-SPHERE, Subaru HiCIAO, and Project 1640 at the Palomar 5m telescope will return images of numerous exoplanets and brown dwarfs over hundreds of observing nights in the next five years. Along with diffraction-limited coronagraphs and high-order adaptive optics, these instruments also will return spectral and polarimetric information on any discovered targets, giving clues to their atmospheric compositions and characteristics. Such spectral characterization will be key to forming a detailed theory of comparative exoplanetary science which will be widely applicable to both exoplanets and brown dwarfs. Further, the prevalence of aperture masking interferometry in the field of high contrast imaging is also allowing observers to sense massive, young planets at solar system scales (~3-30 AU)---separations out of reach to conventional direct imaging techniques. Such observations can provide snapshots at the earliest phases of planet formation---information essential for constraining formation mechanisms as well as evolutionary models of planetary mass companions. As a demonstration of the power of this technique, I briefly review recent aperture masking observations of the HR 8799 system. Moreover, all of the aforementioned techniques are already extremely adept at detecting low-mass stellar companions to their target stars, and I present some recent highlights.
Chemotherapeutic Management of Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) denotes the presence of metastatic disease and is largely incurable using present-day therapies. Chemotherapy remains a therapeutic option in this patient population, and there are many pertinent issues surrounding its use in patients with stage IV NSCLC. Eleven questions were framed by the American College of Chest Physicians Lung Cancer Guidelines Committee, and these were addressed by a systematic search of the available literature. The issues addressed included the identification of prognostic factors in selecting patients for chemotherapy and a critical analysis of the survival benefit provided by chemotherapy. Given the development of several new chemotherapy agents over the past decade, the impact that these agents have made was addressed as well as the definition of a standard of care regarding chemotherapeutic regimens. Given the fact that chemotherapy does not represent a curative option, other issues addressed were the optimal duration of treatment as well as its impact on symptom relief and quality of life, the role of second-line therapy, and the outcomes expectations from both first-line and second-line chemotherapy. The question of what specialty delivered the chemotherapy also was addressed. Once the data were identified, a critical analysis was undertaken attempting to objectively portray the data in support of answers for each of the questions posed. We believe the data support the fact that properly selected patients benefit from chemotherapy with regard to survival and palliation in both first-line and second-line settings. It appears that in trials addressing the duration of first-line therapy, this survival and palliative benefit occurs early, and prolonged therapy is not indicated. Therapy in this setting is cost-effective, and there are several regimens that can be considered to be "standard-of-care" options. Physicians involved in the diagnosis of these patients should be aware of the potential benefits of chemotherapy, allowing them to give recommendations to patients that are based on data derived from clinical trials. In addition, this awareness will allow them to make referrals, when appropriate, to physicians who are trained in the administration of chemotherapy and the management of patients undergoing such therapy.
Concepts of “State” in Introductory Control Education

The concept of “state” as used in control engineering is powerful and unifying. The thesis of this essay, however, is that contemporary control problems extend well beyond the scope of what is now traditional feedback control education and that state concepts should be more broadly interpreted at the introductory educational level. This would give practicing engineers much better tools and insight for dealing with the complexities of modern machine control.
BSSA: Worth thinking about

The Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America ( BSSA ) is a powerful community project that has helped us share the information necessary to keep our field moving forward since 1911. In some ways, BSSA is much like it has always been, and each issue provides us with a collection of research that has been improved by the peer review process and copyedited, typeset, and printed to make it easily readable. But BSSA has also constantly evolved, and the online edition with full-text searching of all content back to volume 1 and linked references that speed our navigation through the related literature is unlike anything J. C. Branner could have imagined when he edited the first issue. The value our community places on BSSA is evidenced in ever-increasing numbers of submissions, the rate at which our articles are cited, and even the ferocity with which some authors rebut rejections instead of submitting their work to other journals. Preserving and improving the value of BSSA requires facing our current challenges and careful planning for the future as we adjust to our science's increasing emphasis on large-scale collaborations and to journals' decreasing dependence on print. As a small society, SSA tends to change slowly, so some of these issues have already been faced by other journals we read. This gives us the opportunity to observe their approaches and consider how we can improve on the existing options. Each change impacts how we submit and read articles, and many changes also have critical financial implications. Beyond printing and mailing the printed issues, we pay for the online submission system, the compositor's work (this mysterious term encompasses the people who copyedit and typeset the articles, lay out the issue, and produce the files for the online and print versions you receive), BSSA 's online site, …
Design for diagnosable multiple-output digital systems

A design for diagnosable multiple-output digital systems is presented, in which not only error detection is implemented by the minimum number of checkers but also fault isolation is realized by minimal additional hardware instead of traditional software diagnostic procedures such that the computation time and memory space for fault isolation are eliminated. A partition algorithm is utilized for partitioning a digital system specially into subsystems with each subsystem containing only one primary output. With the aid of this partition algorithm, an algorithm for automatic fault isolation is presented. The algorithm is suitable for computer implementation so that faults in large size digital systems can be isolated automatically. The overhead of the additional hardware to isolate faults automatically is less than 2.1%. >
Wildlife strikes with military rotary-wing aircraft during flight operations within the United States

Wildlife–aircraft collisions (wildlife strikes) with civilian and military aircraft pose notable risks and economic losses. The 4 military services within the U.S. Department of Defense maintain records regarding wildlife strikes with military aircraft. Although rotary-wing aircraft operations comprise important mission components within all 4 military services, no assessment of wildlife strikes to military rotary-wing aircraft has been conducted. The objectives of this project were to 1) conduct a comprehensive analysis of data available from all military services regarding wildlife strikes with rotary-wing aircraft, and 2) provide recommendations to reduce the frequency and negative impacts of these strikes. We acquired all available wildlife strike records and parsed our database to include only wildlife strikes to military rotary-wing aircraft occurring within the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, or within near-shore areas along the coasts. We assessed the effects of year, month, time of day, event location (i.e., on- or off-airfield), and wildlife group involved on the frequency of wildlife strikes with rotary-wing aircraft. The frequency of wildlife strikes was highest during autumn (Sept–Nov; 41.6% of all strikes) and lowest during winter (Dec–Feb; 10.4%). Wildlife strikes occurred most often when aircraft were traveling en route (38.3%) or were engaged in terrain flight (28.9%). Raptors and vultures were commonly associated with wildlife strikes that caused damage to aircraft. Wildlife strikes to military rotary-wing aircraft during flight operations within the United States are both costly (averaging US$12,184–$337,281/strike event among the military services) and deadly (2 pilots were killed). Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Split treatment of photodamaged skin with KTP 532 nm laser with 10 mm handpiece versus IPL: a cheek-to-cheek comparison.

Background and Objectives The treatment of photodamaged skin with potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) has been reported in several studies. Each device has strengths and weaknesses; however, patient and device variability have made it difficult to ascertain the optimal device for photorejuvenation. The objective of this study was to obtain a head-to-head comparison of IPL and KTP laser for photorejuvenation. Each patient received one KTP laser treatment on one side of the face and one IPL treatment on the other side. Study Design/Materials and Methods Seventeen patients with skin types I–IV were accepted into the study based on existence of dyschromias (pigmented and vascular) and/or discrete telangiectases. After performance of test spots on each patient to determine optimal settings for both devices, patients were treated with both devices in a split face manner. Evaluations and photographs were performed 1 week and 1 month after treatment. Patient and observer evaluations of results were recorded, as well as time to perform each treatment, and patient feedback with regard to pain and edema. No anesthesia was used in these treatments. Photographs were reviewed by a panel of blinded observers to assess changes in red and brown dyschromias. Results One month average improvement (evaluator) for IPL side was (mean) 38.16%/35.08% for vascular/pigment lesions versus 41.99%/30.21% for KTP side. Patient self-evaluated global improvement at 1 month was (mean) 65.59% for IPL side versus 60.88% for KTP side. A majority of patients found the KTP to be slightly more painful with a mean pain rating of 5.27 of 10 versus 4.4 of 10 for IPL. A majority of patients experienced subjectively greater post-procedure swelling on the KTP side. Time to conduct treatment was an average of 10.0 minutes for IPL, 8.7 minutes for KTP. Conclusions Both large spot KTP and IPL achieved marked improvement in vascular and pigmented lesions in one session. The KTP laser caused slightly more discomfort and edema than the IPL. On the other hand, the KTP laser was faster, and more ergonomically flexible. Lasers Surg. Med. 38:124–128, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.