cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VATS Pleurectomy Decortication Is a Reasonable Alternative for Higher Risk Patients in the Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: An Analysis of Short-Term Outcomes.

Surgery is a mainstay of treatment allowing for debulking of tumor and expansion of the lung for improvement in median survival and quality of life for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Although optimal surgical technique remains open for debate—extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) vs. pleurectomy/decortication (P/D)—minimally invasive surgery (VATS-P/D) remains underutilized in the management of MPM. We examined whether VATS-P/D is a feasible alternative to EPP and P/D. We evaluated the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) from 2007–2017 to assess the short-term complications of EPP vs. P/D, including a subanalysis of open P/D vs. VATS-P/D. There were 331 patients with open surgery; 269 with P/D and 62 with EPP. There were 384 patients with P/D; 269 were open and 115 VATS. Rates of any complication were similar between EPP and P/D patients, but EPP had significantly higher rates of cardiovascular complications. After adjusting for confounders, those with a VATS approach were less likely to have any complication, compared to an open approach and significantly less likely to have a pulmonary complication. VATS-P/D remains a viable alternative to radical surgery in MPM patients allowing for improved short-term outcomes.
Stakeholders' perspectives on system-level barriers to and facilitators of HPV vaccination among Hispanic migrant farmworkers.

Latinx populations suffer from a disproportionate burden of HPV-related cancers, yet vaccination completion rates nationally among this population remain low, with 46% of females and 35% of males c...
All Hardware-Based Two-Layer Perceptron Implemented in Memristor Crossbar Arrays

Implementing synaptic weights using tunable conductance of memristors offers significant power and computing throughput improvements through in-memory analog computing. Hardware-based perceptron implementation with memristor crossbar arrays has attracted increased interest in recent years. However, all the previous memristor-based perceptron demonstrations perform some critical operations such as the activation functions using software, leading to substantial back-and-forth communication between the perceptron and a computer. In this work, we show that by implementing the activation functions between different layers of a perceptron all on hardware, using only analog components, we can avoid those unnecessary communication and improve power efficiency and throughput. We have designed a compact multi-channel rectified linear unit activation function and developed a two-layer perceptron using two individual memristor crossbar arrays. We have achieved a 93.63% recognition accuracy in classifying the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology dataset using the analog neurons, comparable with that for a partially software counterpart, and a much improved power efficiency.
Development of a scale to determine student self-efficacy in performing key pharmacists' patient care skills

Abstract Background The Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) was developed to describe a consistent process in which pharmacists in any setting provide patient care. Faculty at a midwestern university developed and refined an assessment tool which provides an indirect approach to measure student confidence in performing skills essential to the PPCP. The objective of this paper is to conduct a stepwise factor analysis to refine the PPCP survey. Methods Assessing appropriateness of survey response data led to an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on student confidence data to refine the survey instrument and examine the underlying constructs that influence student responses. Post EFA, the results were presented to the research team that collaboratively reached consensus on inclusion or exclusion of items. Results EFA factor loadings identified a 4-factor solution suggesting elimination of 30 items from the original 53 item survey. Team discussions led to eliminating 29 items, combining two items and generation of 5 new items in order to retain important concepts. The outcome was a well-conceptualized and refined 29 item-survey model assessing 4 constructs. Conclusion To potentially improve patient outcomes, it is imperative to utilize comprehensive yet concise survey instruments, like the PPCP Skills Self-Efficacy Survey, to prepare students to translate PPCP skills to practice.
Cyclic peptides with a distinct arginine-fork motif recognize the HIV trans-activation response RNA in vitro and in cells.

RNA represents a potential target for new antiviral therapies, which are urgently needed to address public health threats such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We showed previously that the interaction between the viral Tat protein and the HIV-1 trans-activation response (TAR) RNA was blocked by the cyclic peptide TB-CP-6.9a. This peptide was derived from a TAR-binding loop that emerged during lab-evolution of a TAR-binding protein (TBP) family. Here we synthesized and characterized a next-generation, cyclic-peptide library based on the TBP scaffold. We sought to identify conserved RNA-binding interactions, and the influence of cyclization linkers on RNA binding and antiviral activity. A diverse group of cyclization linkers, encompassing disulfide bonds to bicyclic aromatic staples, was used to restrain the cyclic peptide geometry. Thermodynamic profiling revealed specific arginine-rich sequences with low to sub-micromolar affinity driven by enthalpic and entropic contributions. The best compounds exhibited no appreciable off-target binding to related molecules, such as BIV TAR and human 7SK RNAs. A specific arginine-to-lysine change in the highest affinity cyclic peptide reduced TAR binding by 10-fold, suggesting that TBP-derived cyclic peptides use an arginine-fork motif to recognize the TAR major-groove while differentiating the mode of binding from other TAR-targeting molecules. Finally, we showed that HIV infectivity in cell culture was reduced in the presence of cyclic peptides constrained by methylene or naphthalene-based linkers. Our findings provide insight into the molecular determinants required for HIV-1 TAR recognition and antiviral activity. These findings are broadly relevant to the development of antivirals that target RNA molecules.
Laboratory Simulation of Oxidative Aging of Asphalt

The objective of this study was to determine the aging characteristics of asphalt mixes, which were mixed and conditioned at times corresponding to times experienced during field mixing. This objective was accomplished by measuring functional group changes of carbonyl and sulfoxide peak areas through infrared spectroscopy techniques of asphalts extracted from mixes subjected to various laboratory and climatic conditioning procedures. Correlations were attempted between these infrared functional group changes of asphalt samples from laboratory aged mixes and that from a pavement mix obtained through drum dryer plant production. Ratios were taken of these unknown peak areas by dividing them by the area of a peak unchanged by oxidation, i.e., the methyl peak. These ratios were evaluated for asphalt mix samples that had undergone a wide range of treatments (oven heating for 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours). It was observed through the carbonyl group changes of the asphalts that an oven aged period of 2 hours for asphalt mixes was needed to simulate the degree of aging occurring during plant mix production.
Cryogenic Tm:YAG Laser in the Near Infrared

Thulium laser operation on the 3H4–3H6 transition at 823 nm has been demonstrated in bulk Tm:YAG by quasi-continuous-wave pumping with a fiber-coupled diode array at 782 nm. The prior demonstrations of this laser transition have been limited primarily to fluorozirconate glass host materials in waveguide configurations. Population trapping has been identified as an important consideration in the design and operation of lasers on this transition. The use of a crystalline host should enable both high peak and average power operation, and the basic principles discussed in this paper should be extensible to other crystalline hosts and room-temperature operation.
The sympathoadrenal lineage in avian embryos. II. Effects of glucocorticoids on cultured neural crest cells

Abstract The neural crest-derived precursors of the sympathoadrenal lineage depend on environmental cues to differentiate as sympathetic neurons and pheochromocytes. We have used the monoclonal antibody A2B5 as a marker for neuronal differentiation and antisera against catecholamine synthesis enzymes to investigate the differentiation of catecholaminergic cells in cultures of quail neural crest cells. Cells corresponding phenotypically to sympathetic neurons and pheochromocytes can be identified in neural crest cell cultures after 5–6 days in vitro. Expression of the A2B5 antigen precedes expression of immunocytochemically detectable levels of tyrosine hydroxylase in cultured neural crest cells. Glucocorticoid treatment decreases the proportion of TH+ neural crest cells that express neuronal traits. We conclude that environmental cues normally encountered by sympathoadrenal precursors in vivo can influence the differentiation of a subpopulation of cultured neural crest cells in the sympathoadrenal lineage.
Properties of Lipoproteins in Blood Plasma and Liver Perfusates of Rats With Cholestasis

We have shown that perfused livers of rats with experimental cholestasis, produced by obstruction of the common bile duct, secrete lipoprotein X and an abnormal, triglyceride-rich, low-density lipoprotein. This report describes changes in very-lowdensity and high-density lipoproteins secreted by perf used livers of cholestatic rats. Because these animals ate little and lost weight during 42 h of cholestasis, the alterations of lipoproteins were compared with those in fasted and sham-operated control rats. Fasting (42 h) resulted in a marked reduction (>50%) in the recovery of all lipoproteins from perfusates. Accumulation of very-low-density lipoproteins in liver perf usates and the amount of nascent very-low-density lipoproteins in cisternae and secretory vesicles of the Golgi apparatus of hepatocytes were similarly reduced by fasting and cholestasis. Perfusate very-low-density lipoproteins of cholestatic as well as fasted rats were smaller (~350 A mean diameter) than those from sham-operated (~480 A) and contained a smaller proportion of nonpolar (core) lipid components, with an increased proportion of apolipoprotein B. The total amount of high-density lipoprotein-protein recovered from perf usates was unaffected by cholestasis. However, perf usate high-density lipoproteins from cholestatic rats contained: (a) more discoidal particles; (b) more polar lipids and less cholesteryl esters; (c) more apolipoprotein B; and (d) much less apolipoprotein A-IV than perf usate high-density lipoproteins from sham-operated and fasted control rats. The total amount of apolipoprotein A-I in perfusate highdensity lipoproteins was also unaffected by cholestasis. In experiments in which [3H]lysine was added to perf usates, however, specific activity of apolipoprotein A-I was twofold higher in high-density lipoproteins from the livers of cholestatic rats than from the livers of sham-operated controls. The rate of accumulation of apolipoprotein A-I in whole perf usates of cholestatic livers was 2.5-fold higher than in sham-operated controls, whereas the rate of secretion of apolipoprotein E and serum albumin was not significantly changed. The alterations of lipoproteins in blood plasma of cholestatic rats were remarkably similar to those observed in liver perfusates. These studies suggest that reduced food intake during cholestasis in the rat contributes to changes in plasma and perf usate very-low-density lipoproteins. However, the more pronounced changes in low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein fractions in this disorder appear to be directly related to the intrahepatic effects of bile duct obstruction. Many of the abnormalities of perfusate lipoproteins from cholestatic rat livers resemble those found in plasma lipoproteins of humans with obstructive liver diseases.
Randomized, prospective comparison of halothane, isoflurane, and enflurane on baroreflex control of heart rate in humans.

Publisher Summary This chapter compares the effects of equipotent concentrations of halothane, isoflurane, and enflurane on the arterial baroreflex regulation of heart rate in a single population of healthy humans to substantiate the possibility that there are subtle differences among these agents. The progressive decline in blood pressure with increasing minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of anesthesia has been, in general, similar among anesthetics. But in response to the hypotension, there have been significant increases in heart rate in the isoflurane and enflurane groups but no change in heart rate in the halothane group. The increase in heart rate in the isoflurane group has not been incremental and therefore not dose-related to either the anesthetic concentration or the blood pressure decline. Additionally, in the enflurane group, the increase in heart rate appears to be anesthetic dose-related, but it is clearly not reciprocally related to the nonlinear decline in blood pressure. This is particularly evident at 0.5 MAC when blood pressure is not changed from baseline but heart rate increases significantly. The data mentioned in the chapter demonstrate a better preservation of baroreflex responses to increasing pressure ramps, especially at 0.5 MAC. As there have been no discernible differences among anesthetics, resting heart rate differences at equipotent concentrations of the three anesthetics cannot be attributed to a differential effect on the baroreflex. A limitation of the study presented in the chapter is that the technique of baroreceptor testing—namely, an acute lowering and raising of blood pressure—does not test the various components of the reflex arc.
Collision tumor of bone: primary chondrosarcoma of bone as a rare recipient of tumor-to-tumor metastasis from metastatic breast carcinoma

Collision tumors are the rare phenomenon of two histologically distinct tumors occurring in the same anatomic location. We report an unusual case of metastatic breast carcinoma colliding with primary grade 1 chondrosarcoma in the femur of a 58-year-old female.
End-of-life care in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: a MADIT-II substudy.

Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)-delivered shocks can cause substantial distress, warranting consideration of ICD deactivation at end of life. This study was designed to describe the patterns of end-of-life management in patients with ICDs. Methods There was a retrospective chart review of 98 patients who died in the ICD arm of multicenter automated defibrillator implantation trial II (MADIT II). The pattern of ICD management and the frequency of ICD shocks delivered before death were reviewed. Results We identified three groups: Group 1 consisting of individuals who underwent ICD, deactivation, 15 (15%); Group 2 patients without ICD deactivation who were in hospice or with “do not resuscitate” (DNR) orders, 36 (37%); and Group 3 patients without ICD deactivation who were not in hospice care and did not have DNR orders, 47 (48%). Out of 15 deactivations, 11 (73%) occurred in the week before death. None of the patients in Group 1 received an ICD shock in the 24-hour period before death. However, one (3%) patient from Group 2 and nine (19%) patients from Group 3 had shocks during the 24 hours before death (P = 0.03). In the last week before death, three (20%), two (6%), and six (13%) patients received ICD shocks in the three groups, respectively (P = 0.28). Conclusions In patients with terminal conditions who are at risk for imminent death, active management of the patient's ICD, including timely discussions regarding ICD deactivation, may reduce the risk of ICD shocks during the end of life.
The Effects of Household Food Production Strategies on the Health and Nutrition Outcomes of Women and Young Children: A Systematic Review

The objective of this review is to systematically examine and summarise the effects of agricultural interventions to increase household food production on the nutrition and health outcomes of women and young children and provide recommendations for future research and programming. Data from all studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria were abstracted into a standardised form. The quality of the evidence was assessed and graded using a modified version of the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group adaptation of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation technique. Thirty-six articles, representing 27 unique projects were identified. Of these 32 and 17 reported on the health and nutrition outcomes of children and women, respectively. Although studies were too heterogeneous to conduct meta-analysis, agricultural strategies consistently reported significantly improved diet patterns and vitamin A intakes for both women and children. Although some individual studies reported significant reductions in child malnutrition, summary estimates for effects on stunting [relative risk (RR) 0.93 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84, 1.04]], underweight (RR 0.80 [95% CI 0.60, 1.07]) and wasting (RR 0.91 [95% CI 0.60, 1.38]) were not significant. Findings for an effect on vitamin A status, anaemia and morbidity were inconsistent. Overall the evidence base for the potential of agricultural strategies to improve the nutrition and health of women and young children is largely grounded in a limited number of highly heterogeneous, quasi-experimental studies, most of which have significant methodological limitations. While household food production strategies hold promise for improving the nutrition of women and children, the evidence base would be strengthened by additional research that is methodologically robust and adequately powered for biological and dietary indicators of nutrition.
PROGNOSTIC INDEX FOR VAGINAL DELIVERY IN BREECH PRESENTATION AT TERM.

Abstract We have shown by the use of a breech scoring index that potentially difficult breech deliveries may be recognized early in labor, indeed on admission, provided there has been some prior active labor. It would appear that all cases of overt fetopelvic disproportion and, more importantly, most cases of subclinical disproportion will be manifested by a low score (0–3). A breech score of 4 may be indicative of a problem. Further evaluation by radiologic means should be used. There should be no difficulty with breech delivery when the score is high. In fact, where abnormal labor exists, oxytocic stimulation may be used to advantage. The breech score represents an index of sound clinical judgment. It has not been devised to replace an obstetrician's acumen, but only to portray visually the factors involved in his decision to allow a patient with a breech presentation to continue in labor or be delivered by cesarean section.
Small Amplitude Density Waves on a Flat Galaxy

By numerical methods we have found an unstable two-armed density wave on a flat galactic model. We present the results in a form of four plots, and briefly discuss the observational implications as well as the uncertainties involved in the models and the calculations.
Antibodies That Neutralize SIVmac251 in T Lymphocytes Cause Interruption of the Viral Life Cycle in Macrophages by Preventing Nuclear Import of Viral DNA

Abstract Previous reports from our lab had shown that sera obtained from SIV mac -infected animals neutralized SIV mac infectivity in CD4 + T cells but failed to protect monkey primary macrophages from infection with the virus. However, the antibodies could inhibit completion of the viral life cycle in the macrophages at the postentry stage(s). In this report we examined the mechanisms of the late effect of the antibodies. Using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), we demonstrated that only antibodies to the SIV envelope protein (KK17 and KK42) but not antibody to the viral core protein (FA2) had the same inhibitory effect as that of the anti-SIV sera. To identify the stage of the viral replication cycle that was inhibited by anti-SIV antibodies in macrophages, we used various PCR techniques to study viral entry/reverse transcription (by amplifying the viral gag gene), viral genome nuclear transport (by amplifying 2-LTR circular forms), viral integration (by Alu-PCR assay), and viral protein expression (by RIPA). We found that in macrophage cultures inoculated with SIV mac 251 that were preincubated with antienvelope MAbs, viral DNA was detected at 8 h postinoculation but the 2-LTR circular forms and integrated viral DNAs were undetectable, and viral proteins were not expressed in these infected macrophages. These results strongly suggested that anti-SIV antibodies inhibited SIV mac replication in macrophages by blocking nuclear transport of viral genomes since viral DNA could not be detected in the nuclei of treated cultures. Furthermore, we showed that although viral replication in macrophages was interrupted by the antibodies, when cocultured with permissive T cells, the viral genomes presented in the cytoplasm of the macrophages could readily transfer to T cells during cell–cell contact. Importantly, this transfer could not be prevented by the antibodies. These results might explain the failure of passive antibody immunization against SIV mac 251—a critical obstacle in AIDS vaccine development.
Determination of temperature dependent unstressed lattice spacings in crystalline thin films on substrates

X-ray strain analysis via Generalized Focusing Diffractometry (GFD) [1], and the concurrent need for accurate values of the unstrained lattice parameter, are discussed. A new method for determining the unstrained lattice parameter without knowledge of the elastic constants of the sample material is described. Stress measurements at varying temperatures, and extraction of the coefficient of thermal expansion from these measurements, are demonstrated for aluminum and gold films.
Social Behavior in a White-Tailed Deer Herd Containing Hypogonadal Males

During a 14-month period weekly observations were made of the social behavior of a deer herd containing 10% male deer suffering from hypogonadism. Social relationships were divided into two categories: those relationships affected by sexual activities of normal deer and those not so affected. Definite social hierarchy was evident on feeding grounds and was based on frequent aggressive-submissive interactions. Aggression was much more pronounced during the period of sexual activity which coincided with the period of maximum food shortage. Normal males used a sequential pattern of aggressive threats which included the “ear-drop,” the “hard look,” the “sidle,” the “head threat” and the “rush.” Females also used a sequential pattern of threat postures and action similar to that of males, except that a “strike” and “flailing” with the front feet replaced the threats with antlers employed by males. “Velvet-horns” or hypogona-dals were inferior in the “peck order” to all normal deer. Normal males, especially during rut, were more aggressive toward “velvet-horns” than toward any other deer. Normal deer used a sequential pattern of alarm behavior: “stamping” with the front feet, “snorting,” “whistling” and flight with erection of the tail. “Velvet-horns” did not employ any of these alarm actions but merely fled from danger.
Constructing optimal backbone segments for joining fixed DNA base pairs

A method is presented to link a sequence of space-fixed base pairs by the sugar-phosphate segments of single nucleotides and to evaluate the effects in the backbone caused by this positioning of the bases. The entire computational unit comprises several nucleotides that are energy-minimized, subject to constraints imposed by the sugar-phosphate backbone segments being anchored to space-fixed base pairs. The minimization schemes are based on two stages, a conjugate gradient method followed by a Newton-Raphson algorithm. Because our purpose is to examine the response, or relaxation, of an artificially stressed backbone, it is essential to be able to obtain, as closely as possible, a lowest minimum energy conformation of the backbone segment in conformational space. For this purpose, an algorithm is developed that leads to the generation of an assembly of many local energy minima. From these sets of local minima, one conformation corresponding to the one with the lowest minimum is then selected and designated to represent the backbone segment at its minimum. The effective electrostatic potential of mean force is expressed in terms of adjustable parameters that incorporate solvent screening action in the Coulombic interactions between charged backbone atoms; these parameters are adjusted to obtain the best fit of the nearest-neighbor phosphorous atoms in an x-ray structure.
The buller syndrome in American bison bulls

Abstract Homosexual mounting (buller syndrome) was observed incidentally during approximately 3900 h of field observations of 2 populations of American bison (Bison bison) in the course of an 11-year study of social and reproductive behaviour. Buller behaviour was regularly observed in intact, free-ranging males up to the age of 4 years. This suggests that some level of this behaviour, which is an economically significant problem in cattle husbandry, may be a natural trait of feed-lot steers.
Wake fields in a dielectric-lined waveguide

A cylindrical waveguide of radius $a$ is filled partially with an isotropic dielectric between radii $blrla$. A particle travels along the guide, possibly with an offset from the axis, at a velocity $vlc$. The wake fields left behind are calculated. We find that the transverse wake forces do not vanish as ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}=1\ensuremath{-}{(\frac{v}{c})}^{2}$ or in any other way when $v\ensuremath{\rightarrow}c$. The longitudinal and transverse wake forces are evaluated as a function of $\frac{b}{a}$.
Singlet oxygen: a potential culprit in myocardial injury?

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of singlet oxygen in cardiovascular injury. To accomplish this objective, we investigated the effect of singlet oxygen [generated from photoactivation of rose-bengal] on the calcium transport and Ca2+-ATPase activity of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum and compared these results with those obtained by superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. Isolated cardiac SR exposed to rose bengal (10 nM) irradiated at (560 nm) produced a significant inhibition of Ca 2+ uptake; from 2.27 ± 0.05 to 0.62 ± 0.05 µmol Ca+/mg.min (mean ± SE) (P < 0.01) and Ca2+-ATPase activity from 2.08 ± 0.05 µmol Pi/min. mg to 0.28 ± 0.04 µmol Pi/min. mg (mean ± SE) (P < 0.01). The inhibition of calcium uptake and Ca2+-ATPase activity by rose bengal derived activatedoxygen (singlet oxygen) was dependent on the duration of exposure and intensity of light. The singlet oxygen scavengers ascorbic acid and histidine significantly protected SR Ca2+-ATPase against rose bengal derived activated oxygen species but superoxide dismutase and catalase did not attenuate the inhibition. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of SR exposed to photoactivated rose bengal up to 14 min, demonstrated complete loss of Ca2+-ATPase monomer band which was significantly protected by histidine. Irradiation of rose bengal also caused an 18% loss of total sulfhydryl groups of SR. On the other hand, superoxide (generated from xanthine oxidase action on xanthine) and hydroxyl radical (0.5 mM H2O2 + Fe2+ -EDTA) as well as H2O2 (12 mM) were without any effect on the 97,000 dalton Ca2+-ATPase band ofsarcoplasmic reticulum. The results suggest that oxidative damage of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum may be mediated by singlet oxygen. This may represent an important mechanism by which the oxidative injury to the myocardium induces both a loss of tension development and arrhythmogenesis.
The Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse hydrothermal field: A hydrothermal system on an active detachment fault

Abstract Over the last ten years, geophysical studies have revealed that the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse (TAG) hydrothermal field (26°08′N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge) is located on the hanging wall of an active detachment fault. This is particularly important in light of the recognition that detachment faulting accounts for crustal accretion/extension along a significant portion of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and that the majority of confirmed vent sites on this slow-spreading ridge are hosted on detachment faults. The TAG hydrothermal field is one of the largest sites of high-temperature hydrothermal activity and mineralization found to date on the seafloor, and is comprised of active and relict deposits in different stages of evolution. The episodic nature of hydrothermal activity over the last 140 ka provides strong evidence that the complex shape and geological structure of the active detachment fault system exerts first order, but poorly understood, influences on the hydrothermal circulation patterns, fluid chemistry, and mineral deposition. While hydrothermal circulation extracts heat from a deep source region, the location of the source region at TAG is unknown. Hydrothermal upflow is likely focused along the relatively permeable detachment fault interface at depth, and then the high temperature fluids leave the low-angle portion of the detachment fault and rise vertically through the highly fissured hanging wall to the seafloor. The presence of abundant anhydrite in the cone on the summit of the TAG active mound and in veins in the crust beneath provides evidence for a fluid circulation system that entrains significant amounts of seawater into the shallow parts of the mound and stockwork. Given the importance of detachment faulting for crustal extension at slow spreading ridges, the fundamental question that still needs to be addressed is: How do detachment fault systems, and the structure at depth associated with these systems (e.g., presence of plutons and/or high permeability zones) influence the pattern of hydrothermal circulation, mineral deposition, and fluid chemistry, both in space and time, within slowly accreted ocean crust?
MR appearance of placental site gestational trophoblastic neoplasm

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of a patient with placental site trophoblastic tumor are presented. In this patient, a small focal mass distorting the junctional zone and invading the myometrium was identified. Due to the aggressive nature of this neoplasm and the difficulty in detecting it clinically, MRI may represent a useful tool in the evaluation of such tumors.
Glucocorticoids and tumor necrosis factor α increase oxidative stress and suppress Wnt protein signaling in osteoblasts.

Endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) and inflammatory cytokines contribute to the age-associated loss of bone mass and strength, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for their deleterious effects on the aging skeleton are unclear. Based on evidence that oxidative stress is a causal mechanism of the insulin resistance produced by either one of these two agents, we tested the hypothesis that their adverse skeletal effects also result from increased oxidative stress. We report that administration of prednisolone to mice increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the phosphorylation of p66shc (an amplifier of H2O2 generation in mitochondria) in bone. Dexamethasone (Dex) and TNFα had a similar effect on osteoblastic cells in vitro. The generation of ROS by Dex and TNFα required PKCβ/p66shc signaling and was responsible for the activation of JNK and induction of apoptosis by both agents. The activity of Forkhead box O (FoxO) transcription factors was also increased in response to ROS; however, FoxO activation opposed apoptosis induced by Dex and TNFα. In addition, both agents suppressed Akt phosphorylation as well as Wnt-induced proliferation and osteoblast differentiation. However, the inhibitory actions on Wnt signaling were independent of PKCβ/p66shc. Instead, they were mediated by inhibition of Akt and stimulation of FoxOs. These results demonstrate that ROS-induced activation of a PKCβ/p66shc/JNK signaling cascade is responsible for the pro-apoptotic effects of Dex and TNFα on osteoblastic cells. Moreover, modulation of Akt and FoxOs by GCs and TNFα are cell-autonomous mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin antagonism contributing to the adverse effects of GC excess and inflammatory cytokines on bone alike.
A model for the software engineering component of a computer science curriculum

Abstract Software engineering is considered to be one of the major subareas of computer science. Therefore, regardless of what academic unit computer science is housed in, software engineering should play an essential role. Also, an increased interest in accrediting software engineering degree programs, and in licensing software engineers as professional engineers, has led to increased interest in software engineering by computer science programs. This paper examines how software engineering can be effectively integrated into a computer science curriculum. A model based on a four-course sequence is presented and discussed. This model is then compared to the software engineering component of the computer science undergraduate degree program at Texas Tech University, which implements most of the recommendations made. Finally, a discussion of how this model can be used in other types of computer science programs is included.
Living in an Age of Assessment: The Quality Component

In 2009, over 300 community colleges across the country adopted the Community College Student Survey of Engagement (CCSSE) in an effort to assess the campus environment through student perceptions. In addition, community colleges across the country are searching for ways to measure student learning. The Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) is one instrument that has been used since the 1990s. With John Dewey's idea of life long learning as a backdrop, this article will review the need to employ outcomes assessment and student perceptions of the institutional environment as essential in making meaningful changes in higher education. The use of two instruments, CCSSE and CAAP, anchor the discussion of using student learning outcomes as a catalyst for change. Many institutions are using CCSSE and/or CAAP (or other instruments) to gather data about students, and often, these data are analyzed. However, for many institutions, the next step in the process of change has been elusive and the data ...
Time-dependent fornix influence on increased light aversion induced by septal lesions

Abstract Rats were tested for aversion to light both preoperatively and following various combinations of septal and fornix lesions. Septal lesions alone induced a sustained increased aversion to light. Fornix lesions alone had little effect on the preoperative aversion level. Fornix lesions prior to, simultaneously with, or up to 12 hr following septal lesions were successful in preventing the increase in light aversion expected after the septal lesions. Fornix lesions 24 hr or later following the septal lesions had no effect on the increased light aversion. Results suggest that intact septohippocampal connections are necessary for the initial establishment of an increased light aversion following septal lesions, but not for the continued maintenance of an already present increased light aversion.
Clinical predictors of psychopathology in children and adolescents with tourette syndrome

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder of childhood onset characterized by vocal and motor tics and associated psychopathologies. The current study was undertaken to explore the associations between tic symptomatology, related clinical variables and behavioral dysfunction within a cohort of TS subjects. Ninety-two child and adolescent TS subjects were rated through self-measure, and by parents on measures of tic symptomatology, OC characteristics, and dysfunctional behaviors including learning difficulties and attention deficits. Statistical modeling revealed associations among tic clusters, clinical items and behavioral measures, which were unique for the child and adolescent subgroups.
Within-Field Variation in Corn Yield and Grain Quality Responses to Nitrogen Fertilization and Hybrid Selection

This study was conducted in Paris, IL, from 2001 to 2003 involving three corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids, five N rates (0, 112, 168, 224, and 336 kg ha -1 ), and six site-year comparisons to determine the significance of within-field variation in corn yield and quality responses to N fertilization, differences between hybrids in yield and quality, and the feasibility of within-field variable hybrid selection. On average, N fertilization significantly increased corn yield, protein content, and test weight, but decreased corn oil and starch content. The overall economically optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) was 125 kg ha -1 , but EONR varied from 93 to 195 kg ha -1 in different environments. The N rates that would maximize protein content and test weight (MAXN) varied from 143 to 303 kg ha -1 and 0 to 235 kg ha -1 in different environments, respectively. Significant within-field variability in N response was detected in five of six environments for yield, but not in more than two environments for any quality parameter. Hybrid differences were significant in all six environments for test weight, followed by oil content (five), protein and starch content (four), and yield (three). Hybrid differences between 33G26 and 33J24 in test weight response to N were consistent across environments, showing the potential of hybrid-specific N management for this quality parameter. However, hybrid differences in yield and quality did not vary significantly over space in most environments, showing limited potential of within-field variable hybrid selection. Further studies involving more diverse within-field soil-landscape conditions and hybrids are needed.
Generalized dielectric function and the plasmon-phonon coupling in GaAs and CdTe☆

Abstract Far infrared (12–235 cm -1 reflectivity data for GaAs and CdTe have been fitted equally well with the usual two-oscillator dielectric function and Kukharskii's generalized form ϵ K . Kukharskii's extended Lyddane—Sachs—Teller relation was confirmed and the quantities appearing in ϵ K agreed fairly well with other determinations. ϵ K was used to analyze the damped plasmon-phonon modes.
Elliptic equation algorithms on parallel computers

Developpement d'algorithmes de resolution d'equations elliptiques sur des calculateurs paralleles
Synthesis of prostaglandins by cultured rat heart myocytes and cardiac mesenchymal cells

Ischemia, trauma and hormonal stimulation elicit the release of prostaglandins (PGs) from the heart. Although PGI2 is synthesized by coronary arteries, the capacities for PG synthesis of individual types of cells comprising the heart have not been elucidated. Accordingly, synthesis of prostaglandins by cultured rat cardiac myocytes and mesenchymal cells was evaluated by radiochromatography of products obtained by incubating cells with [1-14C]arachidonate, and verified by assessing the effects of cell incubation medium on platelet aggregation. Cultured mesenchymal cells synthesized PGs E2, F2α and 6-keto-F1α, a metabolite of PGI2 (2076 ± 183, 1284 ± 158 and 1194 ± 152 dpm/mg protein/30 min, respectively). Medium from mesenchymal cells inhibited platelet aggregation, an effect abolished by preincubating the cells with indomethacin, further indicating that these cells synthesized PGI2. Cardiac myocytes synthesized PGE2 and PGF2α (952 ± 227 and 287 ± 104 dpm/mg protein/30 mins, respectively), but no PGI2. Medium from myocytes did not inhibit platelet aggregation. Prostaglandins D2, A2 and thromboxane were not synthesized by either type of cell. Thus, PGI2 is synthesized by cardiac mesenchymal cells and the hitherto uncharacterized sources of PGE2 and PGF2α found in coronary sinus effluent may include cardiac myocytes as well as mesenchymal cells.
Improved 3D ray launching method for wireless propagation prediction

3D ray tracing produces accurate, deterministic channel models for wireless system design. Increasing a ray tracing algorithm's ability to identify correct propagation paths reduces the kinematic errors of a simulation. A new 3D ray tracing technique is presented that reduces kinematic errors associated with ray launching algorithms.
Are social norms and reciprocity necessary for early helping

Cortes Barragan and Dweck (1) present evidence that social interactions influence subsequent helping behavior in young children: 2-y-olds are more likely to help an adult when they previously engaged in interactive play, compared with when the child and an adult played in parallel or never interacted. This study shows that helping is a rich social interaction embedded in the context of social experiences more generally. However, the authors also argue that these results challenge the hypothesis that early helping may have a biological basis, and does not emerge as a result of socialization alone (2–4). In particular, Cortes Barragan and Dweck (1) suggest that because this social priming influences helping rates in their study, early helping in young children could result from the values and practices that are subtly communicated in a social situation.
Duplex End Breathing Determines Serum Stability and Intracellular Potency of siRNA-Au NPs

Structural requirements of siRNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (siRNA–Au NPs) for Dicer recognition and serum stability were studied. We show that the 3′ overhang on the nucleic acids of these particles is preferentially recognized by Dicer but also makes the siRNA duplexes more susceptible to nonspecific serum degradation. Dicer and serum nucleases show lower preference for blunt duplexes as opposed to those with 3′ overhangs. Importantly, gold nanoparticles functionalized with blunt duplexes with relatively less thermal breathing are up to 15 times more stable against serum degradation without compromising Dicer recognition. This increased stability leads to a 300% increase in cellular uptake of siRNA–Au NPs and improved gene knockdown.
A 77-kDa Protein Associates with pp125FAK in Mast Cells and Becomes Tyrosine-phosphorylated by High Affinity IgE Receptor Aggregation

The focal adhesion kinase, pp125FAK, is a novel non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase expressed in different cells including mast cells. Here we report that a 77-kDa protein associates with pp125FAK in the mast cell analog, rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. When pp125FAK immunoprecipitates were subjected to an in vitro kinase assay, there was prominent phosphorylation on tyrosine of pp125FAK and of a 77-kDa protein. By V8 protease digestion mapping and by immunoblotting with two different anti-pp125FAK antibodies, the 77-kDa protein was distinct from pp125FAK. This Fak Associated Protein or FAP was detected in RBL-2H3 cells but not in fibroblasts. The aggregation of the high affinity IgE receptor, FceRI, induced the in vivo tyrosine phosphorylation of FAP. However, there was a marked decrease in the in vitro phosphorylation of FAP in the immunoprecipitates from FceRI aggregated cells. Both of these FceRI-mediated effects were enhanced by cell adhesion. There was strong association of FAP with non-tyrosine-phosphorylated pp125FAK. Thus this interaction does not appear to be mediated by the Src homology 2 domain. Together the data indicate that FAP associates with pp125FAK and suggest that FAP may play a role in FceRI signaling.
Large angle p

Large angle elastic differential cross section and analyzing power data are reported for 497.5 MeV p-arrow-right+/sup 40/Ca. The characteristic diffraction pattern extends to the largest momentum transfer, 5.3 fm/sup -1/. Theoretical models which incorporate either relativistic or nonrelativistic dynamics do not quantitatively describe the data for q>3.5 fm/sup -1/. Possible explanations for the discrepancy are suggested
Collage and assemblage in the microbial world.

Suggested citation for this article: Potter P. Collage and assemblage in the microbial world. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2008 Oct [date cited]. Available from http://www.cdc.gov/EID/content/14/10/1680.htm
Galanin Injection into the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract Stimulates Feeding in Rats with Lesions of the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus

Feeding can be stimulated by injection of galanin into the area postrema/nucleus of the solitary tract (AP/NTS) or fourth ventricle (4V). However, the threshold for galanin-induced feeding is lower when galanin is injected into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) than when injected into the NTS. The greater apparent sensitivity of the PVN to galanin and the proximity of this nucleus to the third ventricle raise the possibility that galanin injected into the AP/NTS or 4V may stimulate feeding by accessing receptors in the PVN rather than by a local action in the hindbrain. To assess this possibility, feeding in response to NTS galanin was evaluated in rats with bilateral electrolytic lesions of the PVN. We found that PVN lesions did not abolish feeding induced by injections of galanin into the NTS. Rather, galanin-induced feeding, but not mercaptoacetate- or 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced feeding, was significantly enhanced in PVN-lesioned rats compared to sham-operated controls. These results suggest that galanin receptors in the NTS region mediate feeding in response to galanin and that the galaninergic nerve terminals innervating these receptors may originate in part from cell bodies in the PVN.
Noninvasive Technique for Monitoring Drug Transport Through the Murine Cochlea using Micro-Computed Tomography

Local delivery of drugs to the inner ear has the potential to treat inner ear disorders including permanent hearing loss or deafness. Current mathematical models describing the pharmacokinetics of drug delivery to the inner ear have been based on large rodent studies with invasive measurements of concentration at few locations within the cochlea. Hence, estimates of clearance and diffusion parameters are based on fitting measured data with limited spatial resolution to a model. To overcome these limitations, we developed a noninvasive imaging technique to monitor and characterize drug delivery inside the mouse cochlea using micro-computed tomography (μCT). To increase the measurement accuracy, we performed a subject-atlas image registration to exploit the information readily available in the atlas image of the mouse cochlea and pass segmentation or labeling information from the atlas to our μCT scans. The approach presented here has the potential to quantify concentrations at any point along fluid-filled scalae of the inner ear. This may permit determination of spatially dependent diffusion and clearance parameters for enhanced models.
Molecular-Level Investigation of Critical Gap Size between Catalyst Particles and Electrolyte in Hydrogen Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study the structure and transport at the electrode/electrolyte interface in hydrogen-based proton exchange membrane fuel cells. We examine the wetting of catalyst surfaces that are not immediately adjacent to a Nafion membrane, but rather are separated from the membrane by a hydrophobic gap of carbon support surface (graphite). A mixture of Nafion, water and hydronium ions is able to wet small gaps (7.4 A) of graphite and reach the catalyst surface, providing a path for proton transport from the catalyst to the membrane. However, for gaps of 14.8 A, we observe no wetting of the graphite or the catalyst surface. Using a coarse-grained model, we found that the presence of a graphite gap of 7.4 A width slowed down the transport of water by at least an order of magnitude relative to a system with no gap. The implication is that catalyst particles that are not within nominally 1 nm of either the proton exchange membrane or recast ionomer in the electrode leading to the membrane do not possess a path for efficient proton transport to the membrane and consequently do not contribute significantly to power production in the fuel cell.