cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P158: Relationship Between Wealth Factors and Health Status Among Hispanic/Latinos: Preliminary Findings from the HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study

Background: Studies show that wealth factors are associated with health status. Limited research has examined this association among Hispanic/Latinos of diverse backgrounds. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between wealth factors, and subjective and objective health status. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from 4,716 Hispanic/Latinos, 18 to 74 years, who participated in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary Study (SCAS). Participants provided information on wealth and “traditional” socioeconomic measures (i.e., education, occupation, income), and subjective health status (i.e., mental health [MCS] and physical health [PCS] scores of the SF-12®). Blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight and height were assessed and all medications were reviewed. Objective health status measures included: hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/90 or on antihypertensive medications); hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol ≥240, HDL cholesterol Results: The mean HASC score was 2.9 (95%CI: 2.8-3.0). Approximately 25% (95% CI: 23-27%) of participants reported they would be able to maintain their standard of living for 6 months or more. Almost a third (29%, 95%CI: 27- 32%) had $5,000 or more in savings. Multivariable analyses showed that wealth, as measured by HASC, was positively associated with PCS score (β= 0.54, SE= 0.13, p Discussion: Results demonstrate that among Hispanic/Latinos of diverse backgrounds, a measure of wealth (HASC score) was associated with perceived physical health status (PCS score) but not other subjective (mental health status [MCS score]) or objective health status measures (i.e., hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity). Future studies should address mechanisms via which wealth factors may impact health status in longitudinal designs.
Novel Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Mineral Metabolism Abnormalities in End Stage Renal Disease

Abnormalities in mineral metabolism are a universal complication in dialysis patients and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Hyperphosphatemia, increased fibroblast growth factor 23 levels and secondary hyperparathyroidism are all strongly associated with adverse outcomes in end stage renal disease (ESRD) and most treatment strategies target these parameters. Over the past few years, new therapies have emerged for the treatment of abnormalities of mineral metabolism in ESRD and many are promising. This article will review these new therapeutic options including the potential advantages and disadvantages compared to existing therapies.
Abstract 2826: Equimolar vs. pharmacokinetics-guided dosing in anti-cancer efficacy assessment of precursor-product pairs: Example with pyranocoumarins from Korean Angelica

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Prostate cancer is a malignant disease quite unique to men and has the second highest mortality rate next to lung cancer in the United States, with an estimated 233,000 new cases to be diagnosed in 2014. Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is a traditional medicinal herb in Korea and China. Ethanol extract of dried AGN root has been shown by us and others to exert anti-cancer activity in several allograft and xenograft models. In recently completed studies in primary carcinogenesis model (TRAMP mice), our group has demonstrated that AGN ethanol extract can significantly suppress the growth of neuroendocrine (NE)-lineage cancers and inhibit prostate epithelial lineage lesions. These studies also found that major pyranocoumarin isomer compounds decursin (D) and decursinol angelate (DA) from AGN when provided at equimolar intake to that provided by AGN accounted for the epithelial lineage suppression efficacy, but was less active than AGN extract against NE-Ca growth. Because rodent models and humans convert D/DA rapidly and extensively (>95%) into decusinol (DOH), we hypothesize that DOH (and/or its metabolites) may be the true “active” chemical for suppressing the epithelial cancer. To test this, we compared oral gavage of DOH at equimolar dose as D/DA in SCID mice carrying human LNCaP/AR-Luc cells inoculated subcutaneously. Whereas DOH treated mice showed greater suppression of tumor growth than D/DA, measurement of plasma DOH levels showed 1.7 fold higher in the former at 3 h post-dose. Our earlier work has shown in a rat model that gavage of DOH led to 2.4 fold area under curve (AUC) over that achieved by equimolar dosing of D/DA, suggesting differences for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of DOH vs. D/DA in other species as well. We are currently conducting PK studies of DOH and D/DA in mice to establish their PK parameters in order to achieve bio-equivalent dosing to critically test DOH efficacy and our hypothesis. In summary, PK-evaluation of precursor-product pairs might be important to determine bio-equivalent dosing before costly anti-cancer efficacy tests are conducted to ensure valid efficacy comparison. Citation Format: Wei Wu, Manohar Puppala, Suni Tang, Jinhui Zhang, Chengguo Xing, Cheng Jiang, Junxuan Lu. Equimolar vs. pharmacokinetics-guided dosing in anti-cancer efficacy assessment of precursor-product pairs: Example with pyranocoumarins from Korean Angelica. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2826. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2826
Flow cytometric detection of CD10 (cALLA) on peripheral blood B lymphocytes of neonates

CD10 (cALLA) was detected on the surface of CD19-positive circulating lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of 32/50 neonates tested. These cells are presumed to represent immature B cells, commonly referred to as haematogones, previously undescribed in peripheral blood. The CD10+/CD19+ cells expressed lower levels of CD22 consistent with these cells being immature B lymphocytes. The presence of CD10+/CD19+ cells in the blood was not significantly correlated with a leucoerythroblastic picture, adjusted gestational age, or the presence in blood smears of medium-to-large lymphocytes with an immature appearance that morphologically resembled classic bone-marrow haematogones.
A sparse computation system for process design and simulation: Part I. Data structures and processing techniques

As an alternative to tearing, symbolic permutation may be used to facilitate data processing rather than dimensional reduction in equation solving, permitting a reduction in computing effort without introducing any deleterious effects on the numerical convergence. Data structures and processing techniques suitable for this purpose have been successfully devised and tested. A program incorporating these techniques has been implemented on a CDC 6400 computer and used to solve irreducible systems of up to 551 linear and nonlinear equations.
Mice doubly affected by “staggerer” and “weaver” conditions

In order to study the mode of interaction in mice of mutant genes that affect the motor activities and cerebellar cytoarchitectonics, double mutants affected by both the “staggerer” and “weaver” conditions were produced. The cerebellum of the double mutant mouse showed features present in both of the two single mutant cerebella. As to the features that were common to both single mutant cerebella, they were either more accentuated or similar to those found in one of the two single mutants which showed the greater change, with the possible exception of cerebellar fissures.
A study of 2-Methylaminoheptane, “Oenethyl”

The action of 2-methylaminohepatane (Oenethyl) in normal man and in the anesthetized dog has been compared with that of desoxyephedrine. As a vasopressor agent, Oenethyl was found to be about one-fifth as active as desoxyephedrine. Comparative acute lethal toxicity studies reveal that of 2-methylaminohepatane (Oenethyl) to be of about the same degree as that of 2-aminoheptane on subcutaneous and intravenous administration. The chronic toxicity studies indicate that the smallest intake at which a deleterious effect is noted is 23 mg. per Kg. body weight per animal per day.
The influence of UV light on the dissolution and passive behavior of copper-containing alloys in chloride solutions

The influence of UV light (300–450 nm) on the passive and dissolution behavior of copper alloys CA-715 and CDA-614 in dilute chloride-containing solutions was studied. A slight ennoblement in the breakdown potential, an increase in the induction time, and considerably reduced anodic current densities at potentials higher that the initial breakdown potential were observed for the illuminated electrode. These effects were observed regardless of whether the electrodes were illuminated continuously or illuminated only before the polarization scans, and appear to be independent of the wavelength of the incident light in the wavelength region 300 to 450 nm. These findings are explained in terms of a photo-induced modification of the passive film formed on the copper-containing alloys in the dilute chloride solution, which render it more resistant to the onset of attack. This modification is explained in terms of the semiconducting nature of the passive film and the point defect model for the breakdown of passivity.
THE ORTHOTOPIC T POUCH ILEAL NEOBLADDER: EXPERIENCE WITH 209 PATIENTS

ABSTRACT Purpose: A serous lined extramural ileal flap valve technique called the T limb was developed to prevent reflux of urine in an orthotopic bladder substitute called the T pouch. We evaluate our intermediate clinical and functional experience with the orthotopic T pouch ileal neobladder. Materials and Methods: From November 1996 through May 2000, 209 patients (169 men [80%], 40 women), with a mean age of 69 years (range 33 to 93) underwent construction of an orthotopic T pouch ileal neobladder after cystectomy. The indication for cystectomy included bladder cancer in 198 patients (95%). Median followup for the entire cohort was 33 months (range 0 to 69). Data were analyzed according to perioperative mortality, early (within 3 months) and late diversion related and diversion unrelated complications, radiographic evaluation of the upper urinary tract and urinary reservoir, and determination of renal function. Results: Three patients (1.4%) died perioperatively. A total of 63 (30%) early complications occurred, 53 (25%) diversion unrelated and 10 (5%) diversion related. The most common early diversion unrelated complication was dehydration (10 patients). The most common early diversion related complication was urine leak in 6 patients. There were no early complications directly related to the antirefluxing T limb. Late complications occurred in 68 (32%) patients including 30 (14%) diversion unrelated and 38 (18%) diversion related. The most common late diversion unrelated complication was incisional hernia in 16 patients. Of the 38 late diversion related complications the most common were pouch calculi in 17 and ureteroileal obstruction in 9 patients. The only late complication directly related to the T limb was stenosis in 4 patients, 3 of whom received adjuvant pelvic radiation. A total of 181 patients had radiographic evaluation of the upper urinary tract including 162 (90%) with a normal radiographic study or evidence of postoperative decompression. An abnormal upper tract study was seen in 18 patients (10%) including 9 with ureteroileal obstruction and 4 with afferent T limb stenosis. Gravity cystography of the neobladder was normal in 143 of 158 (90%) evaluable patients. Reflux was seen in 15 patients (10%). Renal function as determined by serum creatinine was stable or improved in 96% of patients. Good daytime and nighttime continence was reported in 87% and 72% of evaluable patients, respectively. Overall 75% of patients complete void while 25% required some form of intermittent catheterization to empty the neobladder completely including 20% of men and 43% of women. Conclusions: With intermediate followup the functional results of the T pouch ileal neobladder are acceptable. The antirefluxing T limb provides unobstructed urinary flow in 95% and reflux prevention in 90% of patients. Although these results are encouraging, further followup is required to assess the long-term results of the T pouch ileal neobladder.
Spiritual Preparation of the Surgical Patient

(1955). Spiritual Preparation of the Surgical Patient. Hospital Topics: Vol. 33, No. 5, pp. 24-27.
What Comes First: Translational Repression or mRNA Degradation? The Deepening Mystery of microRNA Function

While many mechanisms have been proposed for microRNAs (miRNAs) function, most ultimately cause message degradation. A view has emerged that miRNAs silence gene expression by promoting the association of mRNA decay factors. Recent research results, however, suggest that in both zebrafish and fruit fly, translational inhibition is the initiating event of miRNA-mediated gene silencing.
Radical abdominal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with uterine conservation and subsequent pregnancy in the treatment of early invasive cervical cancer

Abstract Background: Recently, pregnancies in patients after radical vaginal trachelectomy and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy have been reported. Radical abdominal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with uterine conservation has been previously described; however, subsequent outcome and pregnancy has not. Methods: Three patients with cervical carcinoma, 1 with stage IA1 with lymph-vascular space invasion and 2 with stage IA2, were treated with radical abdominal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with uterine conservation. Results: All patients underwent the planned procedure with no significant intraoperative or postoperative complications. All patients had return to normal menstrual function. One patient had a successful pregnancy delivered at 39 weeks by cesarean section and is now subsequently pregnant with a second pregnancy. Conclusion: Radical abdominal trachelectomy is a technically feasible operation that uses operative techniques familiar to the American-trained gynecologic oncologist and results in wider parametrial resection than radical vaginal trachelectomy. In young patients desiring to retain fertility, successful pregnancies after radical abdominal trachelectomy are possible. Intraoperative and postoperative complications are likely to be lower with an abdominal versus a vaginal approach. Long-term survival of patients treated with radical trachelectomy for early invasive cervical cancer are yet to be determined. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:370-74.)
Low-temperature SOFCs based on Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 fabricated by dry pressing

Abstract Anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) based on gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC, Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95) are fabricated by a simple and cost-effective dry-pressing process. With a composite anode consisting of NiO+35 wt.% GDC and a composite cathode consisting of Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (SSC) and 10 wt.% GDC, the cells are tested at temperatures from 400 to 650°C. When humidified (3% H2O) hydrogen is used as fuel and stationary air as oxidant, the maximum power densities are 145 and 400 mW/cm2 at 500 and 600°C, respectively. Impedance analysis indicates that the performances of the SOFCs are determined essentially by the interfacial resistances below 550°C. Further, while the anodic polarization resistances are negligible, the cathodic polarization resistances are significant, suggesting that development of new cathode materials is especially important to SOFCs to be operated at low temperatures.
Structure of Human Estrone Sulfatase Suggests Functional Roles of Membrane Association

Estrone sulfatase (ES; 562 amino acids), one of the key enzymes responsible for maintaining high levels of estrogens in breast tumor cells, is associated with the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The structure of ES, purified from the microsomal fraction of human placentas, has been determined at 2.60-A resolution by x-ray crystallography. This structure shows a domain consisting of two antiparallel alpha-helices that protrude from the roughly spherical molecule, thereby giving the molecule a "mushroom-like" shape. These highly hydrophobic helices, each about 40 A long, are capable of traversing the membrane, thus presumably anchoring the functional domain on the membrane surface facing the ER lumen. The location of the transmembrane domain is such that the opening to the active site, buried deep in a cavity of the "gill" of the "mushroom," rests near the membrane surface, thereby suggesting a role of the lipid bilayer in catalysis. This simple architecture could be a prototype utilized by the ER membrane in dictating the form and the function of ER-resident enzymes.
KSHV infection of endothelial cells manipulates CXCR7-mediated signaling: implications for Kaposi’s Sarcoma progression and intervention

CXCR7 was recently characterized as an alternative receptor for the chemokine CXCL12/SDF-1, previously thought to bind and signal exclusively through CXCR4. We recently identified CXCR7 as a key cellular factor in the endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction associated with KSHV infection. CXCL12 signaling is critically associated with tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis in several diverse tumors and is one of the most studied chemokine/chemokine receptor interactions in cancer systems. The tumorigenic activity of the CXCL12 signaling axis offers an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in multiple cancers including Kaposi’ sS arcoma (KS). However, most of the research to date was based on the assumption that CXCR4 was the sole CXCL12 receptor, and thus focused on the development of CXCR4-targeted treatments. CXCR4 participates in important homeostatic functions including hematopoiesis and mucosal immunity, while CXCR7 is rarely expressed in normal adult cells. As a result, CXCR7 may be a more specific chemotherapeutic target for tumor cells and tumor-associated vasculature with fewer adverse effects than treatments targeting CXCR4. CXCR7 is poorly studied throughout the cancer literature and although CXCR7 expression has been found in tumor-associated vasculature, no studies comprehensively examine the biology of CXCR7 in EC and its implications for tumor biology. We seek to define th er ole of CXCR7-mediated CXCL12 signaling in EC biology, and in the context of KSHV infection, in order to determine potential contributions of CXCR7 signaling to KSHV-mediated EC transformation and KS tumorigenesis. We demonstrate that CXCR7 is strongly expressed on LANA+ spindle cells in KS biopsy tissue at all stages of tumor progression. We further demonstrate that CXCR7 induction by KSHV in vitro is specific to lymphatic EC lineages and occurs coincident with the acquisition of spindle morphology. Detailed examination of CXCR7 functions in EC biology reveals multiple roles for CXCR7 that could impact KS tumorigenesis, including effects on cellular proliferation, junctional integrity, cell survival and metastatic capacity. Specifically, we determine that CXCR7 expression results in a loss of PECAM/CD31 expression, perturbing the formation and maintenance of EC monolayers. Moreover, CXCR7+ EC display significant SDF-1 dependent hypermotility, as measured via Electrical Cell-Substrate Impedence Sensing (ECIS). We also demonstrate that SDF-1 signaling through CXCR7 expression is enhanced in EC undergoing anchorage-deprivation, affecting EC cell survival and invasion into SDF-1 rich niches. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CXCR7 is a novel KSHV-induced oncogene with the capacity to influence multiple aspects of KS pathogenesis including tumor growth, seeding and metastasis.
Sign Language Subtitling by Highly Comprehensible "Semantroids"

We introduce a new method of sign language subtitling aimed at young deaf children who have not acquired reading skills yet, and can communicate only via signs. The method is based on: 1) the recently developed concept of “semantroid™” (an animated 3D avatar limited to head and hands); 2) the design, development, and psychophysical evaluation of a highly comprehensible model of the semantroid; and 3) the implementation of a new multi-window, scrolling captioning technique. Based on “semantic intensity” estimates, we have enhanced the comprehensibility of the semantroid by: i) the use of non-photorealistic rendering (NPR); and ii) the creation of a 3D face model with distinctive features. We have then validated the comprehensibility of the semantroid through a series of tests on human subjects which assessed accuracy and speed of recognition of facial stimuli and hand gestures as a function of mode of representation and facial geometry. Test results show that, in the context of sign language subtitling (i....
Indexed Left Ventricular Dimensions Best Predict Survival After Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Aortic Valve Regurgitation

Background Indications for valve replacement in patients with aortic regurgitation include diminished ejection fraction and increased left ventricular dimensions. Our objective was to examine the effect of preoperative ejection fraction and left ventricular dimensions on survival and return of normal systolic function (ejection fraction ≥ 0.50) after valve replacement for aortic regurgitation. Methods Between 1996 and 2006, 301 patients had aortic valve replacement for moderate or greater chronic aortic regurgitation, and 29% had concomitant replacement of the ascending aorta. We reviewed clinical and echocardiographic variables as well as late vital status. Results Patients' mean age was 55.2 ± 16.5 years, and 78% were male. The mean preoperative ejection fraction was 0.56 ± 0.12, the mean left ventricular end-systolic dimension was 43 ± 10 mm, and the mean left ventricular end-diastolic dimension was 63 ± 9 mm. Operative mortality was 1.7%, and survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 96%, 90%, and 77%, respectively. This was similar to an age- and sex-matched population ( p = 0.214). The level of ejection fraction preoperatively did not predict late survival, nor did absolute values for left ventricular end-systolic dimension and end-diastolic dimension. Indexed left ventricular end-systolic dimension and end-diastolic dimension were predictors ( p ω 0.01) of late survival. Data from late echocardiography were available for 159 patients (56%) at a mean follow-up of 3.3 ± 2.6 years. Preoperative ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, indexed end-systolic dimension, end-diastolic dimension, and indexed end-diastolic dimension were univariately predictive of late ejection fraction. In a multivariate model the only predictor of late normal ejection fraction was a higher preoperative ejection fraction (odds ratio, 2.85; p ω 0.001). Conclusions In patients who received a valve replacement for aortic regurgitation, decreased ejection fraction and increased left ventricular dimensions were not associated with late mortality. However, larger indexed left ventricular systolic and diastolic dimensions were associated with late mortality. Preservation of late ejection fraction is best if the operation is performed in patients with near normal preoperative left ventricular function.
Predicting the Effects of Nonspecific Channel Blocking Drugs has Variable Success Rates Between Different Ventricular Myocyte Action Potential Models

Pro-arrhythmic changes to ventricular action potential (AP) duration (APD) are one of the most frequent causes for the removal or restriction of marketed drugs and are difficult to predict a priori. A common link between all arrhythmogenic drugs is block of the rapid delayed rectifier channel (a.k.a. the hERG channel), but many hERG-blocking drugs also affect additional ion transport pathways. These nonspecific effects can attenuate or exacerbate a drug's arrhythmogenic risk and greatly alter the drug-induced changes to APD. Using mathematical models of ventricular myocytes, we sought to determine whether the effects of a nonspecific drug could be predicted from the effects of pure channel-blocking drugs. In several models, we simulated a hypothetical specific hERG-blocking drug, drugs that specifically blocked every other ion transport pathway (10-20 in each model), and each combination of block of hERG plus an additional pathway. The response to each hypothetical drug was expressed as a dose response curve, with log([drug]) on the abscissa and log(APD/APDnodrug) on the ordinate. In a popular mathematical of the human ventricular myocyte, we found that the response to a nonspecific drug could be predicted with a high degree of accuracy by summing the dose-response curves of the specific drugs. This indicates that the pathways affected by uncharacterized compounds can be deduced from dose-response data. In a common model of the canine ventricular myocyte, however, summing the specific drugs' dose-response curves generally failed to approximate the dose-response curve of the corresponding nonspecific drug. This result points to important differences between models, and has implications for the prediction of nonspecific effects during the drug development process.
Modes of inhibition by acylcarnitines, adriamycin and trifluoperazine of cardiac phospholipid-sensitive calcium-dependent protein kinase.

Abstract Palmitoylcarnitine, adriamycin, and trifluoperazine competively inhibited, with respect to phosphatidylserine (a phospholipid cofactor), purified cardiac phospholipid-sensitive Ca 2t -dependent protein kinase, with apparent K i values of 3, 49 and 14, 14μM respectively. These compounds also inhibited the enzyme competitively with respect to Ca − (a metal activator), with corresponding apparent K i values of 0.8, 140 and 9, μM. A synergistic inhibition was observed when palmitoylcarnitine and trifluoperazine were present in combination. A simple addition inhibition, on the other hand, was observed for the combination of either palmitoylcarnitine and adriamycin. or trifluoperazine and adriamycin. 1,3-Diolein decreased the inhibitory effect of trifluoperazine by increasing the affinity of the enzyme for phosphatidylserine. The results indicate that the recently identified phospholipid-sensitive species of Ca 2− -dependent protein kinase was inhibited by a variety of agents, probably via their abilities to interfere with a hydrophobic interaction between phospholipid and the enzyme, an interaction presumably required to confer upon the enzyme a Ca 2− sensitivity, Because other long-chain fatty acylcarnitines (stearoyl- and linoleoylcarnitine), short-chain tatty acylcarnitines (such as octanoylcarnitine) and palmitoyl CoA. compared to palmitoylcarnitine, were less active as inhibitors, it is further suggested that lipophilicitv as well as other structural determinants are crucial for the ability of compounds to regulate the enzyme activity.
Bioluminescence imaging as a marker for cellular Hsp70 response to thermal laser injury

Assessment of laser tissue damage is not complete without an investigation into the cellular effects that are induced. In the past, tissue damage was quantified by such macroscopically visual results as tissue mass removal, carbonization, and melting. In this research, we used heat shock protein (hsp70) transcription, to track cellular response to laser injury. A stable cell line was generated containing the luciferase reporter gene attached to the heat shock protein (Hsp70) promoter. After thermal injury with a Holmium:YAG pulsed laser (wavelength= 2.1 μm, pulsetime = 250 μs, 30 pulses, 3 Hz), luciferase is produced upon hsp70 activation and emits bioluminescence at 563 nm. The luminescence was quantified with a liquid nitrogen cooled CCD camera. A minimum pulse energy (65 mJ/pulse, 2.0 mJ/mm2) was needed to activate the hsp70 response and a higher energy (103 mJ/pulse, 3.2 mJ/mm2) was associated with a reduction in hsp70 response. Bioluminescence levels correlated well to actual hsp70 protein concentrations as determined by ELISA assay. Photon counts were normalized to the percentage of live cells by means of a flow cytometry cell viability assay. The hsp70 response followed an Arrhenius relationship in nature when constant temperature water bath and constant area laser experiments were carried out.
A perspective on acetaldehyde concentrations and toxicity in man and animals

Acetaldehyde (AcH) at a concentration of 593 mM lowers the natural fluorescence of commercial human serum by 12%. It also lowers the fluorescence of a beta-naphthylamine standard curve (recovery) in serum by 17%. These results contrast with earlier reports showing that 447 mM AcH had no effect upon fluorescence of serum or a beta-naphthylamine standard curve in serum. Because 447 mM AcH and 593 mM AcH represent 2.5% and 3.3% AcH, it is apparent that there is a narrow window between which AcH may affect fluorescence by adduct formation with blood components and exogenous fluorophores. Nonetheless, serum has the capacity to bind > 2.5% (> 447 mM) AcH without alteration in fluorescence, suggesting that serum has a great carrying capacity for AcH, undoubtedly in the form of adducts to nucleophiles. These results are discussed in the light of toxicity of AcH and ethanol, the probable significance of the approximately 30 microM free AcH that is reported in chronic alcoholics and the planning of in vitro and in vivo studies with AcH.
Warehouse and Distribution Facilities and Community Attributes: An Empirical Study:

In this paper I examine empirically the largely unexplored proposition that the intraurban location and pricing of warehouse and distribution (WD in contrast, large W&D facility rents, seemingly unaffected by local market access and local zoning controls, are found to be mostly driven by surface and air-transportation access advantages. Overall, these findings suggest a role for a public policy aiming at facilitating the functioning of the W&D sector within contemporary metropolises.
Late quaternary carbonate sedimentation at the Sierra Leone Rise (eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean)

Abstract In the eastern equatorial Atlantic Ocean, changes in the concentration of carbonate in Late Quaternary sediments resulted from reduced production of carbonate in surface waters and increased dilution with non-carbonate sediments during glacial maxima. During glacial stages, production of carbonate in surface water (measured as its accumulation rate in shallow, undissolved cores) decreased by one half. The glacial accumulation rate of non-carbonate components increased 1.5 to 4 times over Holocene values; the greatest increases occurred in the deepest cores. Carbonate dissolution during stages 2, 3 and 4 increased the proportion of foraminiferal fragments and decreased the accumulation rate of susceptible species in the deep sites. In shallow sites, slightly increased dissolution can be detected during stage 3 while greatly increased dissolution occurred during stage 4. Bathymetric profiles of foraminiferal fragmentation and accumulation document a shoaling of the foraminiferal lysocline by 1000 m during glacial isotopic stages. We present a mass balance model of sediment accumulation for carbonate and insoluble components and from this model we estimate the rate of downslope transport and dissolution of carbonate at the Sierra Leone Rise. Our results show that during stage 4 the rate of carbonate loss to dissolution was greater than the rate observed today or during other interglacial stages. The calculated rates of dissolution for stages 2 and 3 are not significantly different from those calculated for stage 1.
Molecular mechanisms in visual pigment regeneration.

— The photochemical bleaching of vertebrate rhodopsin results in the cis to trans isomerization of the 11-cis-retinal protonated Schiff base. Hydrolysis of the Schiff base leads to the formation of opsin and all-trans-retinal. In order for vision to proceed, the enzymatic trans to cis isomerization of a retinoid must occur. Since retinoids exist as alcohols, aldehydes, or esters in the eye, there are potentially nine different routes for isomerization. Moreover, 11-cis-retinoids are approximately 4 kcal/mol higher in energy than their all-trans isomers. Thus, not only must the isomerization route be defined, but an energy source must be identified to power this process. It was discovered that the energy is provided for in a minimally two-step process involving membrane phospholipids as the energy source. First, all-trans-retinol (vitamin A) is esterified in the retinal pigment epithelium by lecithin retinol acyl transferase to produce an all-trans-retinyl ester. Second, this ester is directly transformed into 11-cis-retinol by an isomerohydrolase enzyme, in a process that couples the negative free energy of hydrolysis of the acyl ester to the formation of the strained 11-cis-retinoid.
Strategic airspace constraint analysis and environmental impact of Dynamic Weather Routes

This paper presents analyses of the strategic airspace constraints and the environmental impact of Dynamic Weather Routes automation. The Dynamic Weather Routes are flight plans along which an aircraft can save a user-specified amount of wind-corrected flying time compared to the currently active flight plan. The strategic airspace constraints address sector congestion and Special Activity Area traversal along the two flight plans. The environmental impact considers fuel burn and emissions (e.g., hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, etc.) along the two flight plans. A comparison of airspace constraints and emission values between the as-flown tracks of the aircraft and the suggested Dynamic Weather Route is presented. The results are for August 1 through October 31, 2012, when NASA's Dynamic Weather Routes software was running continuously at the American Airlines System Operations Center in Ft. Worth, TX. The results indicate that Dynamic Weather Routes not only save flying time and fuel, but help reduce traffic congestion and harmful emissions as well.
C4b-binding protein, a regulatory protein of complement.

Despite the wealth of structural and functional information on C4BP, it is clear that several aspects of C4BP biology and regulation under normal conditions and in the acute-phase response remain unresolved. Studies to identify which interleukin and cytokines regulate C4BP expression (both α-and β-chains) are underway in our laboratory. In addition, upstream cis-acting regulatory sequences need to be characterized to attempt to correlate structural regulatory elements with expression. C4BP is a unique macromolecular protein and the mechanisms involved in controlling intracellular assembly also will be of interest. Finally, the modest increase of C4BP in SLE suggests dysregulation of altered cytokine responses in these individuals. Further studies in this and other autoimmune diseases should aid in understanding our present findings and may help in understanding C4BP gene regulation.
Secure multi-party computation problems and their applications: a review and open problems

The growth of the Internet has triggered tremendous opportunities for cooperative computation, where people are jointly conducting computation tasks based on the private inputs they each supplies. These computations could occur between mutually untrusted parties, or even between competitors. For example, customers might send to a remote database queries that contain private information; two competing financial organizations might jointly invest in a project that must satisfy both organizations' private and valuable constraints, and so on. Today, to conduct such computations, one entity must usually know the inputs from all the participants; however if nobody can be trusted enough to know all the inputs, privacy will become a primary concern.This problem is referred to as Secure Multi-party Computation Problem (SMC) in the literature. Research in the SMC area has been focusing on only a limited set of specific SMC problems, while privacy concerned cooperative computations call for SMC studies in a variety of computation domains. Before we can study the problems, we need to identify and define the specific SMC problems for those computation domains. We have developed a framework to facilitate this problem-discovery task. Based on our framework, we have identified and defined a number of new SMC problems for a spectrum of computation domains. Those problems include privacy-preserving database query, privacy-preserving scientific computations, privacy-preserving intrusion detection, privacy-preserving statistical analysis, privacy-preserving geometric computations, and privacy-preserving data mining.The goal of this paper is not only to present our results, but also to serve as a guideline so other people can identify useful SMC problems in their own computation domains.
The Mechanics of Belt Friction Revisited

A new insight into the mechanics of belt friction is given. A conceptual and methodological drawback in the presentation of the classical derivation of the force required to pull the belt over a fixed drum against the hold-force and the friction between the belt and a drum is pointed out, corrected and discussed. The total forces due to pressure and friction (P and F) are evaluated in magnitude and direction. It is shown that not only the local friction force is proportional to the local pressure (f = μp), but also their resultants (F = μP), where μ is the coefficient of static friction. The magnitude of the pressure force is P = FR/(1 + μ2)1/2, where FR is the magnitude of the resultant of the pull- and hold-forces applied at two ends of the belt. Different methodological approaches to the analysis are presented, which are particularly appealing from the educational point of view. These include the local and integral equilibrium considerations, the virtual work approach, and the dimensional analysis.
Persistent effects of information about internal reactions: Ineffectiveness of debriefing

A process of self-persuasion has been advanced to account for the effects of information about internal reactions on attitudes toward emotional stimuli. To determine whether the results of this cognitive activity would be resistant to debriefing, Ss were shown slides of female nudes while hearing their alleged heart-rate reactions and were subsequently informed that these reactions were part of a deception manipulation. It was found that, although Ss accepted the debriefing, the false information continued to exert an influence on their attitudes toward the nudes. The attitudes of these Ss toward the nudes were the same as those of Ss who were not debriefed.
Sex, population dynamics and resting egg production in rotifers

The interaction between sexual reproduction and population growth in the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis was examined using exponential and logistic growth models. A computer simulation was used to explore the effects of the frequency of sex and the proportion of a female's daughters reproducing sexually on population growth rate and resting egg production. Within the parameters of the simulation, the proportion of sexual daughters required for maximum resting egg production increased as the frequency of sex decreased. Adding density-dependence to the model also shifted this optimum towards a higher proportion of sexual daughters. When population growth was unconstrained by density, the optimum proportion of sexual daughters varied between 10–50%, depending on the frequency of sex. This compares to 25–64% when the greatest density restraints were applied at K = 500 females. As the population growth rate (r) increases, the optimum proportion of sexual daughters increases nonlinearly and these effects are exaggerated as sex becomes less frequent. A compilation of published data from laboratory populations of four Brachionus plicatilis strains reveals that the average proportion of sexual daughters in 21% and in close agreement with that predicted by simulation. The limitations of the simulation and its generalizability to other rotifers are discussed.
Uterine contraction and intra-amniotic pressure.

Abstract Studies of the amniotic pressure developed during uterine contraction have been largely empirical. A recently proposed model of uterine contraction, however, has successfully described the development of this pressure in terms of a contraction wave propagating over the surface of the uterus and of basic myometrial properties. Qualitative and quantitative agreement have been found. This model is now extended to the relaxation phase of the uterine contraction cycle. The cases of complete myometrial relaxation and of partial contraction and partial relaxation are considered. As a result, a quantitative description of the complete contraction phenomenon is given. A semi-logarithmic representation of the relaxation phase pressure is suggested as being more revealing and more sensitive to details of uterine behavior. Agreement between the model and experimental measurements is good. The quantitative disparities are discussed in terms of observed behavioral variations.
Finding My Professional Voice: A Woman of Color's Professional Journey

Through a process of self-reflection this article traces my professional development starting with my early training and professional socialization and ending with my current treatment philosophy and clinical practice in my work with women. I emphasize the impact of my gendered upbringing and social position as a woman of color as I chronicle the struggles, and ultimate solutions, to finding my professional voice in White, male-dominated institutions. These struggles included reconciling my cultural knowledge and lived experience with my formal training, and included establishing legitimacy and credibility in my perspectives and expertise. The wisdom of my later years allowed me to liberate myself from the “voices” of theorists, instructors, and supervisors from the past, to become my own authority and to integrate my spiritual values and important lessons learned from being a mother into my work with clients. The process of this transformation is described.
Enhancing the Supercapacitor Performance of Graphene/MnO2 Nanostructured Electrodes by Conductive Wrapping

MnO2 is considered one of the most promising pseudocapactive materials for high-performance supercapacitors given its high theoretical specific capacitance, low-cost, environmental benignity, and natural abundance. However, MnO2 electrodes often suffer from poor electronic and ionic conductivities, resulting in their limited performance in power density and cycling. Here we developed a “conductive wrapping” method to greatly improve the supercapacitor performance of graphene/MnO2-based nanostructured electrodes. By three-dimensional (3D) conductive wrapping of graphene/MnO2 nanostructures with carbon nanotubes or conducting polymer, specific capacitance of the electrodes (considering total mass of active materials) has substantially increased by ∼20% and ∼45%, respectively, with values as high as ∼380 F/g achieved. Moreover, these ternary composite electrodes have also exhibited excellent cycling performance with >95% capacitance retention over 3000 cycles. This 3D conductive wrapping approach represents ...
Postoperative complications and long-term survival among patients treated surgically for renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: In addition to their acute implications, adverse events after oncological surgery may have late or long-term consequences for patient outcomes. We assessed the relationship between postoperative complications and long-term survival among patients treated surgically for kidney cancer.Materials and Methods: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data we identified patients with kidney cancer treated surgically from 1995 through 2005. After excluding from analysis those who died during the index hospitalization or within 30 days of surgery we compared overall survival for patients with or without a postoperative complication. We then fit multivariate Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the association between complications and long-term survival, adjusting for patient characteristics, cancer severity and surgical approach.Results: We identified 4,687 (37%) and 7,931 patients (63%) with and without a postoperative complication, respectively. During a median followup of 32 mo...
The carbohydrate moiety and high molecular weight carrier of histo-blood group antigens are both required for norovirus-receptor recognition

Histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) on human intestinal epithelium serve as receptors for noroviruses (NVs). These antigens also are expressed in milk and may act as decoy receptors to protect breast-fed infants and others against NV disease. In this study we demonstrated that human milk is highly variable in synthesis of HBGAs, which differs from that of saliva; a large quantity of small, soluble HBGAs are found in milk, but much less in saliva and are recognized by MAbs, but not by NVs. There is another group of HBGAs, of high MW, found in both milk and saliva, and recognized by both NVs and MAbs. These results suggest that the specificity of NVs and MAbs to HBGAs are different and the backbones in addition to the carbohydrate moiety are required for NV recognition. Further studies to define the structure and genetics of the high MW milk glycans are necessary.
Managing Children's Online Identities: How Parents Decide what to Disclose about their Children Online

While extensive research has investigated the risks of children sharing their personal information online, little work has investigated the implications of parents sharing personal information about their children online. Drawing on 102 interviews with parents in the U.S., we investigate how parents decide what to disclose about their children on social network sites (SNSs). We find that mothers take on the responsibility of sharing content about their children more than fathers do. Fathers are more restrictive about sharing to broad and professional audiences and are concerned about sharing content that could be perceived as sexually suggestive. Both mothers and fathers work to leverage affordances of SNSs to limit oversharing. Building on prior work, we explore parental disclosure management, which describes how parents decide what to share about their children online. We also describe an emerging third shift of work that highlights the additional work parents take on to manage children's identities online. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications for designing SNSs to better support family life online.
The potential and challenges of inferring thermal comfort at home using commodity sensors

For decades, researchers have investigated ways to infer human thermal comfort. Studies have usually required cumbersome sensors and human observers, making them inappropriate for use in naturalistic settings such as the home. Emerging wearable and smart home sensing devices offer the opportunity to develop new models of thermal comfort based on data collected in-situ. To explore this opportunity, we deployed a sensing system in seven homes and collected self-report data from 11 participants for four weeks. Our system captures many factors employed in previous thermal comfort research, as well as new factors (e.g., activity level, sweat level). Machine learning-based models derived from the collected data show improvement over previous techniques, however significant prediction errors remain. In analyzing these errors we identify six problems that pose challenges for inferring comfort in the wild. Based on our findings, we suggest techniques to improve future in-situ thermal comfort modeling efforts.