cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of genetic testing on endometrial cancer risk-reducing practices in women at risk for Lynch syndrome

Abstract Objective Due to the increased lifetime risk of endometrial cancer (EC), guidelines recommend that women with Lynch syndrome (LS) age≥35 undergo annual EC surveillance or prophylactic hysterectomy (PH). The aim of this study was to examine the uptake of these risk-reducing strategies. Methods The study population included women meeting clinical criteria for genetic evaluation for LS. Data on cancer risk-reducing behaviors were collected from subjects enrolled in two distinct studies: (1) a multicenter cross-sectional study involving completion of a one-time questionnaire, or (2) a single-center longitudinal study in which subjects completed questionnaires before and after undergoing genetic testing. The main outcome was uptake of EC risk-reducing practices. Results In the cross-sectional cohort, 58/77 (75%) women at risk for LS-associated EC reported engaging in EC risk-reduction. Personal history of genetic testing was associated with uptake of EC surveillance or PH (OR 17.1; 95% CI 4.1–70.9). Prior to genetic testing for LS, 26/40 (65%) women in the longitudinal cohort reported engaging in EC risk-reduction. At one-year follow-up, 16/16 (100%) mismatch repair (MMR) gene mutation carriers were adherent to guidelines for EC risk-reduction, 9 (56%) of whom had undergone PH. By three-year follow-up, 11/16 (69%) MMR mutation carriers had undergone PH. Among women with negative or uninformative genetic test results, none underwent PH after testing. Conclusions Genetic testing for LS is strongly associated with uptake of EC risk-reducing practices. Women found to have LS in this study underwent prophylactic gynecologic surgery at rates comparable to those published for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.
TCP-CDR: An End-to-End Scheme for TCP Over Mobile Ad hoc Networks

In this paper, we present an end-to-end scheme, named as TCP-CDR, for the performance improvement of TCP over mobile Ad Hoc networks. This scheme combines congestion window limit, delayed ACK and maximum RTO limit. The comparisons between TCP-CDR and state-of-the-art end-to-end TCP schemes, including Newreno, FeW, TCP-AP, TCP-CD (CWL and Delayed ACK), show that both in static multihops wireless network and in mobile ad hoc networks, the TCP-CDR has the best goodput performance. In particular, different with the previous works, we generate the mobile scenarios not only using Random Waypoint mobility model but also Social Network mobility model.
Growth and Survival of Colorado Squawfish in the Upper Colorado River

Abstract Growth and adult survival rates were estimated for the endangered Colorado squawfish Ptychocheilus lucius inhabiting the upper Colorado River by using data from fish captured during 1990–1995. Mean annual growth rates of fish aged 3–6 years ranged from 32.2 (age 6) to 82.0 (age 3) mm/year. Growth rates for older fish were highest for fish 400–449 mm total length, TL, (42.7 mm/year) and declined to 19.8 mm/year for fish 500–549 mm TL. Fish 550 mm and longer grew an average 9.5 mm/year. Survival rates for fish 550 mm and longer were estimated by comparing measured size distributions with simulated stable age and size distributions; these ranged from 0.83–0.87, with the best fit at 0.85. Though lack of historical data precludes comparisons with past growth and survival rates, our data serve as a baseline for future population monitoring efforts.
A new approach to the continuum modeling of epitaxial growth: slope selection, coarsening, and the role of the uphill current

Abstract We develop a new approach to the macroscopic modeling of epitaxial growth, focusing on the slope selection and coarsening observed in spiral-mode growth. Our model distinguishes between the surface height and the surface adatom density. These quantities evolve by a coupled pair of partial differential equations: a Hamilton–Jacobi equation for the height, coupled to a nonlinear diffusion equation for the adatom density. The influence of the Ehrlich–Schwoebel barrier is included through an “uphill current” in the equation for adatom density. Our model predicts slope selection and coarsening—thus it offers a possible mechanism for these effects. The model predicts, in particular, that the coarsening rate depends mainly on the strength of the Ehrlich–Schwoebel barrier.
Mitral Valve Annulus Tension

The mitral valve annulus is an anatomical structure joining the leaflets and left ventricle wall. It is divided into the fibrous annulus in the anteromedial section and the myocardium annulus in the posterolateral section, according to annulus histology. Two trigones are in the fibrous annulus. Mitral annulus supports leaflets in the valve coaptation and controls inflow hemodynamics during a cardiac cycle. When the mitral valve is fully open during diastole, inflow drag force on the leaflets and chordae pulls the leaflets approximately apically. As mitral valve leaflets coaptate during systole, trans-mitral pressure acts on the leaflets and induces leaflet tension which is transferred to the annulus and chordae. The leaflet tension at the annulus per unit length is defined as annulus tension (AT). Annulus dilatation is a mitral valve pathology that is related to AT and its interaction with the myocardium. Little is known about the detailed mechanism of annulus dilatation. But from mechanics standpoint, there are two possible mechanisms that change annulus size. AT pulls annulus towards the center of mitral valve orifice and is balanced by myocardium force on the annulus that pulls the annulus outward. Annulus size depends upon which force is predominant in annulus mechanics. It is hypothesized that the AT is one of the important mechanism to control annulus size. This hypothesis suggests that annulus size can be controlled by the AT and its interaction with the myocardium. We aim to understand annulus dilatation by the AT. The objective of the current study was to understand the tension transferred to the mitral annulus by the leaflets during the valve coaptation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Color stability and lipid oxidation of rockfish as affected by antioxidant from shrimp shell waste

Crude and partially purified antioxidants from shrimp shell waste were obtained by ethanol extraction and silica gel column chromatography. Whole rockfish (Sebastolobus alascanus, Sebastes ruberriumus) samples were treated with crude antioxidant solution dips while another species of rockfish fillets (Sebastes alutus) was treated with various concentrations of partially purified antioxidant solution dips from column chromatography. Higher a * values were found in all rockfish samples treated with antioxidants compared to the control. The partially purified antioxidant from shrimp shell waste significantly lowered TBA values compared to the untreated water-dipped control rockfish fillets (Sebastes alutus).
Scanning detection of mutations in human ornithine transcarbamoylase by chemical mismatch cleavage

Abstract The mutations in X chromosome-linked diseases are frequently heterogeneous, and yet only a small fraction can be detected by Southern analysis. We therefore adapted the chemical cleavage method of Cotton et al. [Cotton, R. G. H., Rodrigues, N. R. & Campbell, R. D. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 4397-4401] and the polymerase chain reaction to rapidly scan for point mutations in X chromosome-linked ornithine transcarbamoylase (carbamoyl-phosphate: L-ornithine carbamoyltransferase, EC 2.1.3.3.) deficiency. This simple heteroduplex mapping method identified different mismatch sites in polymerase chain reaction-amplified liver cDNA from five unrelated ornithine transcarbamoylase-deficient patients. The predicted sequence alteration was confirmed by DNA sequencing in all five patients and indicated a likely disease-causing mutation in four of these patients. In one atypical ornithine transcarbamoylase-deficient patient a sequence alteration compatible with a cDNA polymorphism was found. One family was studied in detail. Female-carrier detection was performed by chemical cleavage of amplified genomic DNA and verified by allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization. This mutation scanning approach is simple, sensitive, and applicable to many genetic loci.
Analysis of turbidite correlation in Cascadia Basin, northeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract Replicate cores taken at four stations within Cascadia Basin were analyzed to evaluate the stratigraphic variability of turbidite layers. A ratio of planktonic foraminiferans to radiolarians was partitioned as a biostratigraphic indicator by a modified acceptance sampling procedure, while hierarchical analysis of variance was used to evaluate biostratigraphic correlations. An R -mode factor analysis was applied to size distribution data, and 5 factors were found to reflect turbidite deposition. Comparison of the biostratigraphy of the cores with the position and factor values of turbidite horizons indicates that small-scale (1–2 km) horizontal facies changes in the coarse layers complicate or preclude most correlations between cores. These variations in facies render textural parameters useless as correlative tools and suggest that correlation of turbidites should be attempted only within the framework of finely resolved biostratigraphy. Facies changes appear to be more severe in channel deposits than in interfluve sediments.
Structure of 14C from 12C(t, p)

Abstract The reaction 12 C(t, p) 14 C has been investigated with an 18 MeV triton beam. Twenty energy levels of 14 C were identified up to 13 MeV excitation. Angular distributions were measured and compared with DWBA calculations. A previously unreported 0 + level at 9.75 MeV was observed; it undoubtedly corresponds to the second predominantly sd shell 0 + state in 14 C. Additional spin and parity assignments have been made in the present work: 9.81 MeV, (1 − ); 10.43 MeV, 2 + ; 10.50 MeV, (3 − ); 10.74 MeV, 4 + ; 11.40 MeV, 1 − ; 11.67 MeV, (1 − ); 11.73 MeV, (5 − ); 12.58 MeV, (2 + , 3 − ); 12.87 MeV. 2 + , 3 − ; and 12.96 MeV, (1 − ); none of which had a definite spin and parity assignment previously. Our results confirm the previous information on the level structure of 14 C below 8.5 MeV. The cross section for the unnatural parity state at 7.34 MeV, J π = 2 − , is well reproduced by a two-step reaction calculation. The results are compared with the predictions of a weak coupling model.
Proton Structure and the Hyperfine Shift in Hydrogen

The effect of the electromagnetic structure of the proton upon the hyperfine splitting of $s$ states in hydrogen is determined without recourse to any specialized model for proton interactions. The principal modification of the Fermi formula, derivable nonrelativistically, appears as a multiplicative correction $1\ensuremath{-}2{{a}_{0}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}{〈r〉}_{\mathrm{em}}$ where ${a}_{0}$ is the Bohr radius and ${〈r〉}_{\mathrm{em}}$ is the first statistical moment of a distribution which characterizes the proton structure. The absence of additional structure corrections of experimental consequence is rigorously demonstrated. The method relies on a phenomenological representation of the proton deduced from the invariance principles of quantum field theory. The size of the proton is estimated from the available bound state data and compared with the size prediction inferred from scattering experiments.
INHIBITION OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE BY CHELATES. I. INHIBITION BY COPPER CHELATES.

Enzyme kinetic studies were used in an effort to determine the nature of the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by cupric chelates of glycine and ethylenediamine. Since the chelate solutions contain mixtures of species in equilibrium, it was necessary to calculate the concentrations of pertinent species under experimental conditions. Correlation of the observed inhibition with species concentration under various conditions indicate that ( a ) 2–1 ligand-copper chelates show negligible inhibition, ( b ) 1–1 chelate species exert significant inhibition, and ( c ) free copper may be responsible for inhibition if the affinity for copper in the chelate system is small. Conditions conductive to copper mediated inhibition include low pH, small chelate stability constants, and low ratio of ligand-copper in chelate solutions.
Projected Costs for Electricity and Products from OTEC Facilities and Plantships

The vast ocean thermal resource of the tropics can be used to serve all areas of the U.S. through the production at sea of fuels or energy-intensive products that can be transported to market by ship. This paper addresses ammonia, liquid hydrogen, methanol, and liquid methane, which could be sold as fuels or chemicals or used as hydrogen sources for onshore fuel-cell power systems. Estimated costs of their production on 325-MWe ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plantships and their delivery to U.S. ports and inland cites are presented. The most promising product is ammonia, first for use in fertilizers and the chemical industry, and later as the least costly carrier of hydrogen for use in fuel cells. Estimated costs of delivering OTEC electricity by undersea cables from moored offshore plants to U.S. islands and Gulf Coast states are compared with costs of electricity from OTEC ammonia and from coal and nuclear power. Commercial viability for both OTEC approaches by the 1990-1993 period is indicated. The potentials for private cost-sharing in the initial 40-MWe demonstration facilities and plantships also are discussed.
Genetic Influences on Cattle Grazing Distribution: Association of Genetic Markers with Terrain Use in Cattle☆

Eighty-seven cows were GPS (Global Positioning System) tracked for 1 to 3 months in mountainous and/or extensive pastures at five ranches located in New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana. The Illumina Bovine HD SNP array, which evaluates approximately 770,000 genetic markers (i.e., single nucleotide polymorphisms; SNPs) across the 30 bovine chromosomes, was used to genotype DNA from these cows and to examine genetic associations with grazing distribution. Terrain use indexes were calculated from tracking data based on normalized averages of slope use, elevation use, and distance travelled from water. Genetic analyses identified a chromosomal region, known as a quantitative trait locus (QTL), associated with these traits. One genetic marker on chromosome 29 identified a gene that has been reported to be involved in locomotion, motivation, and spatial memory. This locus accounted for 24% of the phenotypic variation in use of steep slopes and high elevations, while another QTL on chromosome 17 accounted for 23% of the phenotypic variation. Three other QTLs accounted for 10% to 20% of the variation in terrain use indexes. Using results from the initial high-density genetic marker analyses, a smaller 50-SNP panel was developed targeting previously identified QTL regions and was used to evaluate the 85 cows tracked previously with an additional 73 cows from four ranches. With the 50-SNP panel analyses, multiple genetic markers near or within the gene identified on chromosome 29 confirmed the association with indexes of terrain use. In addition, genetic markers on chromosomes 4, 8, 12, and 17 accounted for a significant portion of the phenotypic variation in terrain use indexes. The associations between terrain use indexes and genetic markers near candidate genes demonstrate that grazing distribution can be inherited and provide a new approach to associate genetic variation with cattle grazing behavior of range beef cattle.
Some Aspects of the Minimum-Energy Problem in General Relativity

It has been shown that the energy of a charged point mass is positive-definite, and that its metric expressed in isotropic coordinates represents a minimum-energy state. In this paper it is found that for an electric field about this particle which can be derived from a scalar potential, this energy is stationary regardless of the form of gravitational wave interaction, in first approximation (small-perturbation theory). Thus, it is expected that for certain metrics, such a state has lower energy, in first order, than one in which any weak external gravitation is included.
A common framework for understanding the origin of genetic dominance and evolutionary fates of gene duplications.

The dominance of wild-type alleles and the concomitant recessivity of deleterious mutant alleles might have evolved by natural selection or could be a by-product of the molecular and physiological mechanisms of gene action. We compared the properties of human haplosufficient genes, whose wild-type alleles are dominant over loss-of-function alleles, with haploinsufficient (recessive wild-type) genes, which produce an abnormal phenotype when heterozygous for a loss-of-function allele. The fraction of haplosufficient genes is the highest among the genes that encode enzymes, which is best compatible with the physiological theory. Haploinsufficient genes, on average, have more paralogs than haplosufficient genes, supporting the idea that gene dosage could be important for the initial fixation of duplications. Thus, haplo(in)sufficiency of a gene and its propensity for duplication might have a common evolutionary basis.
Maternal Identity and Early Mothering Behavior in Previously Infertile and Never Infertile Women

The differences in maternal identity and early mothering behavior were compared in previously infertile and never infertile women in this pilot study to evaluate the relationship between previous infertility and the early maternal experience. Women were tested by questionnaire, observation, and interview. No significant differences were noted between groups for quantitative early mothering behavioral measurements. Previously infertile mothers demonstrated lower postpartum maternal identity scores, delay in preparation of the home environment, and less self-confidence.
Moore's law and the economics of semiconductor price trends

This paper constructs an analytical framework for understanding the technical origins and economic implications of distinctive patterns of innovation in semiconductors known as Moore's Law. The history of Moore's Law predictions is first reviewed. These predictions, coupled with additional assumptions, yield predictions of the cost or price of functionality on a semiconductor integrated circuit. Changes in historical declines in semiconductor prices are shown to be related to evolution in key technical parameters over successive generations of manufacturing technology. Significant changes in the organisation of semiconductor industry R&D in the 1990s appear linked to acceleration in the pace of innovation.
Understanding, Connection, and Identification: Friendship Features of Bilingual Spanish-English Speaking Undergraduates

Bilingual undergraduates may have closer friendships with other bilinguals than with monolinguals. This study investigated this hypothesis and explored the friendship features of 46 bilingual Spanish and English speaking undergraduates by combining quantitative analyses of surveys and qualitative analyses of interviews. Survey results indicated that participants rated their friendships with bilinguals to be more secure, closer, and to provide more help and companionship than their friendships with monolinguals. During interviews, participants described understanding, connection, and identification with their bilingual friends. These features were considered reasons for their friendships with other bilinguals and reasons for their greater quality. Bilingual friendships also helped bilingual undergraduates navigate a challenging sociopolitical context and have pride in their ethnolinguistic identity.
Stimulus efficacy, chlorpromazine, and schizophrenia

Stimulus efficacy can be defined in terms of at least two variables: Proximity of a stimulus to reinforcement and the association of a stimulus with reinforcements of different magnitudes. The behavioral effects of chlorpromazine were found to be significantly modulated by stimulus efficacy and increases in efficacy attenuated drug effect. The relevance of this finding to various conjectures about the deficits seen in schizophrenia is discussed.
Hydroxylation of 5-Methylcytosine by TET1 Promotes Active DNA Demethylation in the Adult Brain

Cytosine methylation is the major covalent modification of mammalian genomic DNA and plays important roles in transcriptional regulation. The molecular mechanism underlying the enzymatic removal of this epigenetic mark, however, remains elusive. Here, we show that 5-methylcytosine (5mC) hydroxylase TET1, by converting 5mCs to 5-hydroxymethylcytosines (5hmCs), promotes DNA demethylation in mammalian cells through a process that requires the base excision repair pathway. Though expression of the 12 known human DNA glycosylases individually did not enhance removal of 5hmCs in mammalian cells, demethylation of both exogenously introduced and endogenous 5hmCs is promoted by the AID (activation-induced deaminase)/APOBEC (apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme complex) family of cytidine deaminases. Furthermore, Tet1 and Apobec1 are involved in neuronal activity-induced, region-specific, active DNA demethylation and subsequent gene expression in the dentate gyrus of the adult mouse brain in vivo. Our study suggests a TET1-induced oxidation-deamination mechanism for active DNA demethylation in mammals.
Hollow cathode electron gun for the excitation of cw lasers

Abstract Well collimated electron beam discharges with an energy of 1 kW, at currents up to 0.1 A, have been obtained at ambient pressures up to 0.4 Torr in Ar and 1.4 Torr in He using hollow cathode electron guns. The guns operate on a continuous or dc basis. These guns have the unique feature of providing a clear optical path through the axis. We suggest the use of such an electron beam discharge for excitation of cw ion lasers.
Outpatient tonsilloadenoidectomy: avoiding complications

Abstract Especially during the last decade, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy have been performed increasingly in outpatient surgery facilities. Although complications following T&A are infrequent, they can be serious and have a precipitous onset. Hemorrhage and acute airway obstruction are among the most feared sequelae, and certain patterns have emerged depicting the circumstances under which these complications are more likely to happen. Other postoperative problems include fever, recurrent emesis, and poor oral fluid intake. To avoid unanticipated postoperative admissions, patients should be carefully selected and then observed for a minimum of 6 h following surgery. An individual with a history of obstructive sleep apnea is an inappropriate candidate for outpatient T&A. In addition, children younger than 3 yr are more likely to require postoperative hospitalization owing to such problems as respiratory distress and dehydration than older children.
Heparin ionically linked to glass.

Heparin has been ionically bonded to glass surfaces. The heparin coating resists fluid shear stresses as high as 104 dynes/cm2 at 30°C for periods in excess of 300 hr, and 1000 W of ultrasonic cleaning at 62°C for periods of more than 45 min. It also prevents the clotting of human blood.
A new instrument for thermoluminescence research

Abstract A new instrument has been developed to obtain glow curves from ceramic and polymeric materials using commercially available instrumentation. This instrument allows for the simultaneous recording of a material's light emission and enthalpic change as a function of temperature. Initial data have been obtained on quartz samples. A microcomputer system has also been constructed to facilitate data handling. Data from the light emission of a sample can be directly stored on floppy disk storage, recalled, analyzed, and plotted.
Detection and partial characterization of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase activities from Fasciola hepatica and Schistosoma mansoni.

Abstract The tegument of trematodes serves as a dynamic host-parasite interface where surface antigens are shed in a process of immune evasion. Phospholipases, which could provide an enzymatic mechanism for release of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins, were detected in detergent extracts of adult worms of Fasciola hepatica and cercaria and adult worms of Schistosoma mansoni . The enzymatic activities were partially characterized from both adult worm species and demonstrated a preference for [ 3 H]GPI substrate over [ 3 H]PI. Lipase activities from both species were sensitive to sulfhydryl-modifying reagents and the detergents CHAPS and n -octylglucoside. The presence of 1 M ammonium sulfate increased the enzyme activity in adult worms of both species by 8–11-fold and in cercaria by 146-fold, whereas other conditions of high ionic strength were inhibitory. Such stimulation suggested dissociation of a negative inhibitor which is prominent in the cercarial stage. The schistosome extract, which was partially sensitive to cation chelators and o -phenanthroline, contained a GPI-phospholipase D activity. In contrast, the F. hepatica extract contained a cation-independent phospholipase C activity which was partially purified and shown by gel filtration to have a molecular mass of 30 000–80 000.
Differential impact of hyponatremia and hepatic encephalopathy on health-related quality of life and brain metabolite abnormalities in cirrhosis.

Background & Aims Hyponatremia (HN) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) together can impair health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and cognition in cirrhosis. We aimed at studying the effect of hyponatremia on cognition, HRQOL, and brain MR spectroscopy (MRS) independent of HE. Methods Four cirrhotic groups (no HE/HN, HE alone, HN alone (sodium Results 82 cirrhotics (30 no HE/HN, 25 HE, 17 HE+HN, and 10 HN, MELD 12, 63% hepatitis C) were included. Cirrhotics with HN alone and without HE/HN had better cognition compared to HE groups (median abnormal tests no-HE/HN: 3, HN: 3.5, HE: 6.5, HE+HN: 7, p =0.008). Despite better cognition, HN only patients had worse HRQOL in total and psychosocial SIP while both HN groups (with/without HE) had a significantly worse physical SIP ( p p Conclusions Hyponatremic cirrhotics without HE have poor HRQOL despite better cognition than those with concomitant HE. Glx levels were lowest in HN without HE but mI was similar across affected groups. HRQOL improved after diuretic withdrawal. Hyponatremia has a complex, non-linear relationship with brain Glx and mI, cognition and HRQOL.
Changes in cardiovascular function with aging

Overall cardiovascular function at rest in most healthy elderly individuals is adequate to meet the body's need for pressure and flow. The resting heart rate is unchanged. Heart size is essentially not different in younger vs older adults, but heart wall thickness increases modestly, due largely to an increase in myocyte size. While the early diastolic filling rate is reduced, an enhanced atrial contribution to ventricular filling in elderly individuals maintains filling volume at a normal level. Although systolic pressure at rest increases with age, the resting end-systolic volume and election fraction are not altered, due partly to the increase in left ventricular thickness. Physical work capacity declines with advancing age, but the extent to which this can be attributed to a decrement in cardiac reserve is not certain. Part of the age-related decline in maximum oxygen consumption appears to be due to peripheral rather than central circulatory factors, e.g. to a decrease in muscle mass with age during exercise, the ability to direct blood flow to muscles, and the ability of muscle to utilize oxygen. Some elderly individuals exhibit cardiac dilatation which produces an increased stroke volume sufficient to counter the well-known age-related decrease in exercise heart rate, such that high levels of cardiac output can be maintained during exercise. Still, in these individuals, the exercise-induced reduction in end-systolic volume and increase in ejection fraction is less than in younger individuals. A similar haemodynamic profile occurs in individuals of any age who exercise in the presence of beta-adrenergic blockade.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Nicotine and oxidative cigarette smoke constituents induce immune-modulatory and pro-inflammatory dendritic cell responses

Chronic airway inflammation is a cardinal feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a destructive cigarette smoke-induced lung disease. Although it is apparent that dendritic cells (DCs) are an important constituent of the chronic inflammatory cell influx found in airways of COPD patients, the functional roles of DCs in the pathogenesis of smoking-induced emphysema are unknown. We postulated that DCs activated by cigarette smoke constituents directly participate in the chronic inflammation that characterizes COPD airways. Concordant with this hypothesis, we observed that incubation of DCs with cigarette smoke extract (CSE), and chronic exposure of mice to cigarette smoke, both augmented the generation of neutrophilic chemokines by immature and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or CD40L-matured DCs. The generation of interleukin-8 (CXCL8/IL-8) by human DCs conditioned with CSE was suppressed by the anti-oxidant n-acetyl cysteine (NAC), implying the involvement of oxidant sensitive pathways as a primary mechanism involved in the enhanced CXCL8/IL-8 generation. Cigarette smoke extract and nicotine also augment the production of secreted prostaglandin-E2 and intra-cellular cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) in maturing DCs. Whereas NAC suppressed production of CXCL8 by CSE-conditioned DCs, it augmented production of PGE2 and cellular COX-2 levels in maturing DCs. These studies indicate that the stimulation of DCs by cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress and nicotine promote the generation of pro-inflammatory responses that promote chronic inflammation in smokers. Certain pharmacologic strategies such as anti-oxidant therapy may be only partially effective in mitigating cigarette smoke-induced pro-inflammatory DC-mediated responses in smokers.
A Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Identifying FGF23 Regulated Genes in the Kidney of a Mouse CKD Model

Elevations of circulating Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes and progression of renal failure in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Efforts to identify gene products whose transcription is directly regulated by FGF23 stimulation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR)/α-Klotho complexes in the kidney is confounded by both systemic alterations in calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D metabolism and intrinsic alterations caused by the underlying renal pathology in CKD. To identify FGF23 responsive genes in the kidney that might explain the association between FGF23 and adverse outcomes in CKD, we performed comparative genome wide analysis of gene expression profiles in the kidney of the Collagen 4 alpha 3 null mice (Col4a3−/−) model of progressive kidney disease with kidney expression profiles of Hypophosphatemic (Hyp) and FGF23 transgenic mouse models of elevated FGF23. The different complement of potentially confounding factors in these models allowed us to identify genes that are directly targeted by FGF23. This analysis found that α-Klotho, an anti-aging hormone and FGF23 co-receptor, was decreased by FGF23. We also identified additional FGF23-responsive transcripts and activation of networks associated with renal damage and chronic inflammation, including lipocalin 2 (Lcn2), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) signaling pathways. Finally, we found that FGF23 suppresses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in the kidney, thereby providing a pathway for FGF23 regulation of the renin-angiotensin system. These gene products provide a possible mechanistic links between elevated FGF23 and pathways responsible for renal failure progression and cardiovascular diseases.
Low-profile antennas for implantable medical devices: optimized designs for antennas/human interactions

Based on the FDTD simulations and the return loss measurement setup, a spiral-type microstrip antenna and planar inverted F antenna (PIFA) are optimized to operate in a human body at the biomedical frequency band and their electric characteristics are compared in terms of physical dimension and radiation characteristics. Although the radiation patterns are similar to each other, the PIFA has advantages over a microstrip antenna, specifically smaller dimensions and higher radiation efficiency. The SAR calculation of two low profile antennas indicates that the dielectric layer used for the superstrate are useful to protect the skin tissue in front of the antenna and make it possible for the implanted antenna to deliver more than 25 /spl mu/W for short-range biomedical devices.
Effect of low-dose aspirin on the occurrence of venous thromboembolism: a randomized trial.

Background Short-term aspirin therapy can lower the risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in high-risk patients, but whether the long-term use of low-dose aspirin reduces risk in healthy adults is uncertain. Objective To test the efficacy of long-term aspirin therapy for preventing VTE. Design Secondary analysis of a 10-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting U.S. female health care professionals in the Women's Health Study. Participants 39,876 initially healthy women age 45 years or older (26,779 gave blood samples that were evaluated for factor V Leiden, G20210A prothrombin, and MTHFR 677C>T polymorphisms). Measurements Documented VTE (deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) and unprovoked VTE (no recent surgery, trauma, or cancer diagnosis) were prospectively evaluated, secondary end points. Intervention Aspirin, 100 mg, or placebo on alternate days. Results Venous thromboembolism occurred in 482 women during follow-up, an incidence higher than that of myocardial infarction and nearly equal to that of stroke. The incidence of VTE (per 1000 person-years) was 1.18 among women randomly assigned to active aspirin, compared with 1.25 among women randomly assigned to placebo (relative hazard, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.13]; rate difference, -0.06 [CI, -0.28 to 0.16]). For unprovoked VTE, the relative hazard was 0.90 (CI, 0.70 to 1.16) and the rate difference was -0.06 (CI, -0.21 to 0.10). Relative hazards associated with aspirin use in higher-risk subgroups were 0.83 (CI, 0.50 to 1.39) among women with either factor V Leiden or the prothrombin mutation and 1.36 (CI, 0.77 to 2.41) among those with a history of VTE. Limitation Venous thromboembolism was a secondary end point in the Women's Health Study. Conclusion These data suggest that long-term, low-dose aspirin treatment has little effect on the prevention of VTE in initially healthy women. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00000479.
Direct and inverse wave propagation theories and the factorized Helmholtz equation. Path integral representations

The reduced scalar Helmholtz equation for a transversely inhomogeneous half-space sup-plemented with an outgoing radiation condition and an appropriate boundary condition on the initial-value plane defines a direct acoustic propagation model. This elliptic formulation admits a factorization and is subsequently equivalent to a first-order Weyl pseudo-differ-ential equation which is recognized as an extended parabolic propagation model. Perturbation treatments of the appropriate Weyl composition equation result in a systematic devel-opment of approximate wave theories while exact inversions for several nontrivial profiles provide for an analysis of strong refractive and diffractive effects. The analysis, in a natural manner, provides the basis for the formulation and exact solution of an arbitrary-dimensional nonlinear inverse problem appropriate for ocean acoustic, seismic, and optical studies- Moreover, the n-dimensional reduced scalar Helmholtz equation for the transversely inhomogeneous medium is naturally related to parabolic propagation models through (1) the above mentioned n-dimensional extended parabolic (Weyl pseudo-differential) equation and (2) an imbedding in an (n + 1)-dimensional parabolic (SchrOdinger) equation. The first relationship provides the basis for the parabolic-based Hamiltonian phase space path integral representation of the half-space propagator. The second relationship provides the basis for the elliptic-based path integral representations associated with Feynman/Fradkin, Feynman/Garrod, and Feynman/Dewitt-Morette. The path integrals allow for a global perspective of the transition from elliptic to parabolic wave theory in addition to providing a unifying framework in the direct and inverse formulations for dynamical approximations, resolution of the square root operator, and the concepts of an underlying stochastic process and free motion on curved spaces. The wave equation and path integral analysis provides for computational algorithms while foreshadowing the extension to (1) the vector formulation appropriate for elastic media, (2) the bilinear formulation appropriate for acoustic field coherence, and (3) the stochastic formulation appropriate for wave propagation in random media.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evaluation of the upper-tropospheric moisture climatology in a general circulation model using TOVS radiance observations

Abstract TOVS satellite observations are used to evaluate the upper-tropospheric (400–200 mb) moisture distribution simulated by the GLA GCM in a 10-yr (1979–1988) integration produced for the Atmospheric Model Inter-comparison Project, in which several models participated worldwide. The simulated moisture fields show remarkable success in duplicating the large-scale structure and seasonal features in the observations, but they show insufficient contrast between very dry and very moist regions. The simulation generally does well in northern summer (June–July–August) but worse in northern winter. This is consistent with deficiencies in the annual cycle of moist convection so that convective rain stays too close to the equator in northern winter. The related misplacement of convective activity associated with the Asian monsoon produces discrepancies in the moisture over much of the Eastern Hemisphere. The simulation also shows a too weak moisture response to interannual fluctuations in the sea surface tempe...
Differentiation of apomorphine from bromocriptine, piribidel and TRH by chronic administration in rats

The dopaminergics, apomorphine (1 mg/kg), bromocriptine (1, 10 and 20 mg/kg), piribidel (5, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) (1, 10 and 20 mg/kg), were each injected SC in rats at 09.00 h and 18.00 h daily for at least 20 days. Only apomorphine induced a behavioral syndrome (AIBS) in both male and female rats, characterized by tail-vibration (within 5 days) and a hyperexcitement which included defecation, mounting (in males only), jumping, cliff-jumping, climbing and, after 9–11 days, sham-boxing. Chronically-treated rats were placed, individually, in a small glass cylinder; only those rats on apomorphine displayed an increase in excitement and constant circling, almost exclusively in a counterclockwise direction. Acute pretreatment with d-butaclamol (0.64 mg/kg, SC), but not with the l-enatiomer, blocked the AIBS. No sham-boxing occurred when d-amphetamine (1 and 5 mg/kg), bromocriptine (10 and 20 mg/kg), piribidel (1, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and TRH (1 and 20 mg/kg) were substituted for apomorphine; in the presence of noise, substitution of piribidel (5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) elicited mild displays of sham-boxing. When apomorphine (1 mg/kg) was substituted for chronically-administered bromocriptine (20 mg/kg) bidirectional circling, but no AIBS, was seen. Apomorphine, when substituted for piribidel or TRH, did not induce circling or the AIBS. Tolerance did not develop to the AIBS over 90 days; 31 days after the final injection, the AIBS could again be elicited by a single dose of apomorphine (1 mg/kg).
Determinants of Repeat Curative Intent Surgery in Colorectal Liver Metastasis

Following curative intent surgery (CIS) for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM), repeat CIS for recurrence improves survival. The factors associated with repeat CIS are not widely reported. An institutional database (January 2002–December 2012) was reviewed to evaluate factors influencing repeat CIS. One hundred sixty-three patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) underwent successful CIS. Median follow-up and disease-free interval (DFI) was 33 and 16 months, respectively. After initial CIS, 102 patients (63 %) recurred. Fifty-three patients (52 %) underwent a repeat CIS. After repeat CIS, 33 patients (62 %) developed a second recurrence, and in 13 patients (39 %), a third CIS was possible. DFI decreased following initial CIS (first CIS vs. second CIS vs. third CIS [20 vs. 15 vs. 8.5 months], p < 0.001). Overall 5-year survival in all patients was 55 %; patients who recurred had a 5-year survival of 67 % if they underwent repeat CIS vs. 7.8 % if they were managed palliatively. Second CIS was less likely with a postoperative complication, other/multifocal recurrence, or DFI <12 months. Despite high recurrence and decreasing DFI, repeat CIS provides a survival benefit. Postoperative complications, DFI, number, and pattern of recurrence influence the decision to pursue repeat CIS.
The local stability of an open-loop Nash equilibrium in a finite horizon differential game

Abstract We propose a finite time differential game as a model for some economic processes and derive conditions for the Nash equilibrium solution to be locally asymptotically stable. We adopt the traditional ‘Cournot-reaction function’ notion of stability, which in our (continuous time) model becomes a function-to-function, or trajectory-to-trajectory, mapping. The conditions for stability seem to make economic sense. The equilibrium is less stable if the interaction terms in each period are large, if the game has a long duration, and if the discount rate is small.
The peak pool boiling heat flux from a sphere

A hydrodynamic prediction is formulated for the peak nucleate boiling heat flux on spheres. It employs no empirical constants but it is justified by an experimental correlation of the vapor blanket thickness at the equator of the sphere. The prediction compares very favorably with 27 original data obtained by the transient calorimeter method in both water and N2 on spheres of different sizes. It also compares well with the data of prior investigators for a large range of size, gravity, and boiled liquids. Assumptions as to the vapor removeal configuration are supported with photographic observations of the boiling procss.
An Observational Study of Circulating Tumor Cells and 18F-FDG PET Uptake in Patients with Treatment-Naive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction We investigated the relationship of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumor glucose metabolism as defined by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake since both have been associated with patient prognosis. Materials & Methods We performed a retrospective screen of patients at four medical centers who underwent FDG PET-CT imaging and phlebotomy prior to a therapeutic intervention for NSCLC. We used an Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) independent fluid biopsy based on cell morphology for CTC detection and enumeration (defined here as High Definition CTCs or “HD-CTCs”). We then correlated HD-CTCs with quantitative FDG uptake image data calibrated across centers in a cross-sectional analysis. Results We assessed seventy-one NSCLC patients whose median tumor size was 2.8 cm (interquartile range, IQR, 2.0–3.6) and median maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was 7.2 (IQR 3.7–15.5). More than 2 HD-CTCs were detected in 63% of patients, whether across all stages (45 of 71) or in stage I disease (27 of 43). HD-CTCs were weakly correlated with partial volume corrected tumor SUVmax (r = 0.27, p-value = 0.03) and not correlated with tumor diameter (r = 0.07; p-value = 0.60). For a given partial volume corrected SUVmax or tumor diameter there was a wide range of detected HD-CTCs in circulation for both early and late stage disease. Conclusions CTCs are detected frequently in early-stage NSCLC using a non-EpCAM mediated approach with a wide range noted for a given level of FDG uptake or tumor size. Integrating potentially complementary biomarkers like these with traditional patient data may eventually enhance our understanding of clinical, in vivo tumor biology in the early stages of this deadly disease.
Infrared observations of the B3 and Al3 molecules in inert-gas matrices at 4 K

Ground-state vibrational frequencies of the matrix-isolated B3 and Al3 molecules have been observed. For Al3 there also appears a progression of bands beginning at ≈ 1800 cm−1, which is attributed to absorption to a low-lying electronic state.
Propositional quantification and the prosentential theory of truth

In their paper 'A prosentential theory of truth' Grover, Camp and Belnap propound a theory of truth which is essentially a modified version of Ramsey's redundancy theory of truth. In this paper I shall not seek to deter-mine whether or not the prosentential theory is true; rather I shall attempt to show that its proponents' argument for its plausibility breaks down at certain crucial points, most notably when they discuss the matter of propositional quantification. In the first section of this paper I shall give a brief account of the prosentential theory of truth as expounded by Grover, Camp and Belnap; in the second section I shall lodge three main complaints against the theory so expounded.
The Importance of the Equity Concept in the Allocation of Public Services

The public service delivery process is largely shaped by two related sets of decisions. Allocation decisions determine who gets what; distribution decisions dictate when, where, and how services will be delivered. These decisions are substantially influenced by the concept or standard of equity employed by decision-makers. This article explores alternative concepts of equity and their implications regarding the allocation and marketing of public services.
A "cold" InP-based tunneling injection laser with greatly reduced Auger recombination and temperature dependence

We have measured the Auger recombination rates in an InP-based quantum well tunneling injection laser from large signal modulation experiments. Measured values of the Auger coefficient, C/sub o/=1.2/spl plusmn/0.6/spl times/10/sup -29/ cm/sup 6/ s/sup -1/ at 283 K, are a factor of over 10/sup 2/ smaller than those measured in similar multiple quantum well separate confinement heterostructure lasers. In effect, the tunneling injection mechanism keeps the carriers "cold" even at high injection levels. A maximum value of T/sub o/=70 K is measured in the tunneling injection laser compared to 50 K for conventional quantum well structures,. >
‘Who is Sufficient For These Things?’ Sara G. Stanley and the American Missionary Association, 1864–1868

The literature dealing with those women and men who dedicated themselves to teaching the newly freed slaves in the South during Reconstruction has grown considerably in recent years. From W. E. B. DuBois's Black Reconstruction in America in 1935, with its positive depiction of the role of these teachers through Henry Lee Swint's 1941 work, The Northern Teacher in the South, with its negative stereotype to more recent works, we now have a body of literature which has begun to examine this group in a more thorough and complex manner.' The general stereotype which often appears in the literature is of the missionary teacher as a white woman from New England, fresh from the abolitionist movement. While it is true that many teachers fit into this category, there were also many African-American teachers and missionaries, both women and men.2 A good deal of the literature has dealt, at least briefly, with the ways in which African-American men functioned in the context of such organizations as the American Missionary Association (AMA). However, the experience of these men was different from that of AfricanAmerican women, in part because these men were more likely to be given