cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
β-Myosin Heavy Chain Is Induced by Pressure Overload in a Minor Subpopulation of Smaller Mouse Cardiac Myocytes

Rationale: Induction of the fetal hypertrophic marker gene β-myosin heavy chain (β-MyHC) is a signature feature of pressure overload hypertrophy in rodents. β-MyHC is assumed present in all or most enlarged myocytes. Objective: To quantify the number and size of myocytes expressing endogenous β-MyHC by a flow cytometry approach. Methods and Results: Myocytes were isolated from the left ventricle of male C57Bl/6J mice after transverse aortic constriction (TAC), and the fraction of cells expressing endogenous β-MyHC was quantified by flow cytometry on 10 000 to 20 000 myocytes with use of a validated β-MyHC antibody. Side scatter by flow cytometry in the same cells was validated as an index of myocyte size. β-MyHC + myocytes constituted 3±1% of myocytes in control hearts (n=12), increasing to 25±10% at 3 days to 6 weeks after TAC (n=24, P + myocytes did not enlarge with TAC and were smaller at all times than myocytes without β-MyHC (≈70% as large, P + myocytes arose by addition of β-MyHC to α-MyHC and had more total MyHC after TAC than did the hypertrophied myocytes that had α-MyHC only. Myocytes positive for β-MyHC were found in discrete regions of the left ventricle in 3 patterns: perivascular, in areas with fibrosis, and in apparently normal myocardium. Conclusions: β-MyHC protein is induced by pressure overload in a minor subpopulation of smaller cardiac myocytes. The hypertrophied myocytes after TAC have α-MyHC only. These data challenge the current paradigm of the fetal hypertrophic gene program and identify a new subpopulation of smaller working ventricular myocytes with more myosin.
Perturbation of Gastric Emptying and Duodenal Motility Through the Central Nervous System

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that external stimuli acting through the central nervous system perturb the normal gastrointestinal response to meals. Thus, in 4 healthy volunteers we used a multilumen gastroduodenal tube system that allowed simultaneous measurements of gastroduodenal motility, gastric emptying rate, gastric acid secretion, and pancreatic trypsin output. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and skin temperature were also monitored for autonomic response. All subjects were studied on 2 days, receiving on each day two identical test meals. After one of the meals on each day, vertigo was induced by labyrinthine stimulation (ear irrigation with ice water) while the other meal was followed by one of two controls, ear irrigation at 37°C (control stimulation) on 1 day and no stimulation on the other, the order of the tests being randomized. Labyrinthine stimulation at subnauseant levels resulted in a consistent and reproducible delay in gastric emptying of the meal. Further, in 2 of the 4 subjects a marked and reproducible alteration of the postprandial duodenal motility pattern occured, with a change to one resembling the fasted state, even though nutrients continued to be present in the stomach. Duodenogastic reflux and gastric acid output remained unchanged. Trypsin output decreased initially but later returned to control values. These studies emphasize the role of the central nervous system in the control of gut function after feeding. Labyrinthine stimulation may be a useful method for investigating inhibitory and disruptive effects of centrally acting stimuli on the human upper gut.
Does Paclitaxel Improve the Chemoradiotherapy of Locoregionally Advanced Esophageal Cancer? A Nonrandomized Comparison With Fluorouracil-Based Therapy

PURPOSE: A phase II trial of accelerated fractionation radiation with concurrent cisplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy was performed to investigate the role of the paclitaxel, when substituted for fluorouracil (5-FU), in the chemoradiotherapy of esophageal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with an esophageal ultrasound stage of T3 or N1 or M1 (nodal) esophageal cancer were treated with two courses of a cisplatin infusion (20 mg/m2/d for 4 days) and paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 over 24 hours) concurrent with a split course of accelerated fractionation radiation (1.5 Gy bid to a total dose of 45 Gy). Surgical resection was performed 4 to 6 weeks later followed by a single identical postoperative course of chemoradiotherapy (24 Gy) in patients with significant residual tumor at surgery. Toxicity and results of this treatment were retrospectively compared with our previous 5-FU and cisplatin chemoradiotherapy experience. RESULTS: Between September 1995 and July 1997, 40 patients were entered onto this study. Al...
Dominant myelopoietic effector functions mediated by chemokine receptor CCR1.

Macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, a CC chemokine, enhances proliferation of mature subsets of myeloid progenitor cells (MPCs), suppresses proliferation of immature MPCs, and mobilizes mature and immature MPCs to the blood. MIP-1α binds at least three chemokine receptors. To determine if CCR1 was dominantly mediating the above activities of MIP-1α, CCR1-deficient (−/−) mice, produced by targeted gene disruption, were used. MIP-1α enhanced colony formation of marrow granulocyte/macrophage colony-forming units (CFU-GM), responsive to stimulation by granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and CFU-M, responsive to stimulation by M-CSF, from littermate control CCR1+/+ but not CCR1−/− mice. Moreover, MIP-1α did not mobilize MPCs to the blood or synergize with G-CSF in this effect in CCR1−/− mice. However, CCR1−/− mice were increased in sensitivity to MPC mobilizing effects of G-CSF. Multi-growth factor–stimulated MPCs in CCR1−/− and CCR1+/+ marrow were equally sensitive to inhibition by MIP-1α. These results implicate CCR1 as a dominant receptor for MIP-1α enhancement of proliferation of lineage-committed MPCs and for mobilization of MPCs to the blood. CCR1 is not a dominant receptor for MIP-1α suppression of MPC proliferation, but it does negatively impact G-CSF–induced MPC mobilization.
Limitations of anthropic predictions for the cosmological constant Λ: cosmic heat death of anthropic observers

This paper investigates anthropic bounds on the vacuum energy Λ by considering alternate starting assumptions. We first consider the possibility of cosmic observers existing at any random time (including the future) for constant Λ, and take into account the suppression of new structure formation as the universe approaches its eternal de Sitter (DS) geometry. Structures that collapse prior to the era of Λ-domination will lose causal contact with our Hubble volume within a finite (short) conformal time τ. Any remnants within our Hubble volume then suffer a cosmological heat death after the universe becomes DS. The probability for finding observers by random measurements in the volume bound by the de Sitter horizon is proportional to the rate of change in the ratio of the 3-volume V3(τ) to the 4-volume V4(τ), so that P 0. This vanishing probability of populated DS volumes is a simple consequence of the information loss problem for eternal DS spaces resulting from the finite and constant value of its temperature TDS Λ−1/2 and entropy S = 3/(GΛ). By contrast, for geometries with Λ = 0, structures can condense and entropy production can continue without bounds at any epoch. The probability of finding observers in Λ = 0 geometries is thus overwhelming higher than in DS spaces. As a result, anthropic reasoning does not explain the small but nonzero vacuum energy observed in our universe. We also address the case where observers are considered only at a specially chosen time—like the present epoch—but relax the allowed values of starting density fluctuations and hence the redshift of galaxy formation. In this latter case, the bounds on a Λ can be millions of times larger than previous estimates—and the observed value. We thus conclude that anthropic reasoning has limited predictive power.
Immune mechanisms in Ehrlich ascites tumor growth in mice

Abstract Normal mice immunized with irradiated Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells rejected EAT challenge given 2 weeks later but T-cell-deficient [thymectomized lethally irradiated, and bone-marrow-reconstituted (TIR)] mice succumbed. However, when TIR mice were injected i.v. with thymus, lymph node, or spleen cells from normal syngeneic donors immediately following i.p. injection of irradiated EAT cells, they rejected the subsequent tumor challenge. This induction of immunity in TIR mice was shown to be T-cell dependent. Spleen cells from EAT-bearing mice given immediately after irradiated tumor cells were also able to promote rejection of EAT challenge in TIR mice. Spleen cells from EAT-immune mice inhibited EAT growth when admixed with tumor cells prior to i.p. injection into normal recipients, but had no effect on progressive tumor growth when given i.v. immediately after i.p. tumor injection. Immune serum inhibited i.p. EAT growth when given either i.p. or i.v. Whereas inhibition of EAT growth by admixed spleen cells was shown to be T-cell dependent, the activity of the immune serum appeared to be T-cell independent. The data indicate that T lymphocytes are required only in the induction phase of the immune response of mice against EAT, while the efferent phase of the response is accomplished by serum antibodies, perhaps through an interaction with host macrophages.
Spectral features of a many-body-localized system weakly coupled to a bath

We study many-body-localized (MBL) systems that are weakly coupled to thermalizing environments, focusing on the spectral functions of local operators. We argue that these spectral functions carry signatures of localization even away from the limit of perfectly isolated systems. We find that, in the limit of vanishing coupling to a bath, MBL systems come in two varieties, with either discrete or continuous local spectra. Both varieties of MBL systems exhibit a "soft gap" at zero frequency in the spatially-averaged spectral functions of local operators, which serves as a diagnostic for localization. We estimate the degree to which coupling to a bath broadens these spectral features, and find that characteristics of incipient localization survive as long as the system-bath coupling is much weaker than the characteristic energy scales of the system. Since perfect isolation is impossible, we expect the ideas discussed in this paper to be relevant for all experiments on many-body localization.
A simple method to determine airborne radar detection performance in clutter

For the case of high-pulse repetition frequency (PRF) radars or low-PRF radars, the author argues that, assuming a constant azimuth sidelobe level and Doppler signal processing, it is possible to determine the clutter-to-noise level at the Doppler filter output for any pulse repetition rate using the simplified approach which is described. Although only high- and low-PRF radars are used, this method is effective for all PRFs. For medium PRFs, modification of the procedure, depending on sidelobe clutter overlap, will yield the desired result. However, high-PRF radars are the desirable approach for the airborne application because they provide a clutter-free detection region in Doppler. It is necessary to achieve low-azimuth sidelobes to realize their full benefits. >
Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ: treatment options for a new pathologic entity.

Introduction Not only is breast carcinoma the second leading cause of cancer mortality, it is also the most common form of cancer in women. Accumulation of genetic alterations within a single clone of cells eventually leads to uncontrolled growth. Models of progression of breast carcinoma suggest that the epithelial cell gives rise to carcinoma in situ after first going through phases of hyperplasia and atypical hyperplasia. In 1941, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) was first described as a preinvasive lesion with inevitable progression to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Total mastectomy was the standard recommendation. Haagensen, while working at Columbia University, was the first to describe LCIS progressing to ILC. In 1978, Rosen stated that total astectomy with low axillary dissection was the most logical operaive procedure for LCIS and that a contralateral biopsy should be erformed to rule out bilaterality. By the 1980s, LCIS was accepted as a marker for increased risk rather than a precancerous lesion, and
Implications of Nuclear Reactions for Single Event Effects Test Methods and Analysis

Simulation results for the full galactic cosmic ray environment demonstrate that current accelerator-based test methods using linear energy transfer as the engineering metric to characterize single event effects are not sufficient to capture the nuclear reaction portion of the response. Nuclear reactions contribute significantly to on-orbit single-event rates as compared to those from direct ionization induced by the primary ions. Based on these results, the applicability of current single-event test methods to predicting on-orbit event rates is examined and improved procedures are identified. For devices with critical charge values that are in the range where nuclear reactions may play a role in determining the event rate, ground-based tests should include irradiation with several types of ions of different energies to identify the contribution of these reactions to the measured SEE cross section
Development of Solvay clusters of chemical reactions

Abstract The Solvay soda ash process is the classic example of the replacement of an infeasible reaction by a cluster of feasible chemical reactions involving the closed-cycle use of intermediate chemicals. Many industrial processes are based on this strategy. Previously, there had been no principles to guide the development of the proper sequence. In this paper we present certain practical methods of synthesis useful in creating thermodynamically feasible closed-cycle chemical reaction sequences.
Novel visual-cue-based sticky traps for monitoring of emerald ash borers, Agrilus planipennis (Col., Buprestidae)

We examined various methods of trapping emerald ash borers (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, using solely visual cues based on previous work that has documented the importance of visual cues in EAB mate location. Here, we give the results of two of these methods, coloured sticky cards (yellow or blue), or live ash leaves covered with spray-on adhesive to which dead male EAB visual lures had been pinned. Feral male beetles were captured effectively on the sticky traps made from dead male EAB on ash leaves. These sticky-leaf-traps captured more male EAB when deployed in high-population density areas than lowdensity areas, but did capture EAB even at lower population densities. More feral males were captured on these traps when they were placed higher in the trees, regardless of the population density of EAB. Very few feral female EAB were captured using the sticky-leaf-traps. This novel method of EAB trapping may allow ‘real-time’ population detection and monitoring of EAB adults during the active flight period rather than locating larval galleries during the autumn and winter after adult flight and attack. Feral male beetles were also captured using standard yellow- or blue-coloured sticky cards to which male EAB had been affixed with adhesive; however, this type of trap was much less effective overall than using the sticky-leaf-traps. Furthermore, Agrilus cyanescens ,a species similar in colour to EAB but smaller in size, showed a strong response to blue-coloured sticky traps to which dead male EAB had been affixed with adhesive, suggesting a general use of visual cues in the mating systems of some of the other Buprestidae as well. J. Appl. Entomol.
Sensitivity of MR phase shift to detect evoked neuromagnetic fields inside the head

Test object and human feasibility studies were conducted to determine if the evoked neuromagnetic field could be detected inside the head using MR (magnetic resonance) phase shift imaging. A small variable current was pulsed through the inner portion of a cylindrical object to determine the sensitivity of a 1.5 T MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) system, and the sensitivity was then related to measurements of the same object by a SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) neuromagnetometer. Preliminary human studies were conducted in the same 1.5 T system, and images were acquired with and without an auditory stimulation. The results of the test object study show that detection of the in-vivo neuromagnetic field requires measurements of phase shifts approximately 0.35 deg in the MRI scanner. The scanner used was measured to have a sensitivity of about 6.8 deg. The preliminary human studies were unsuccessful since no neuromagnetic pattern could be discerned above the noise or above several flow-rated phase artifacts. >
Storehouse Consciousness and the Unconscious: A Comparative Study of Xuan Zang and Freud on the Subliminal Mind

The postulation of storehouse consciousness, alayavijnana, is a major theoretical accomplishment of the Yogacara School of Buddhism. It is formulated as a subliminal consciousness to account for our sense of self and the continuity of our experience without resorting to any form of reification, a taboo in Mahayana Buddhism. Its subliminal character has tempted some Buddhist scholars to compare it with the unconscious in modern psychoanalysis. However, alayavijnana was developed in a radically different cultural, historical, and philosophical milieu from the modern notion of the unconscious. Hence, before using the term unconscious to interpret alayavijnana, we should carefully investigate the two concepts and the larger theoretical paradigms within which they are respectively located. Through a comparative study this article addresses several fundamental differences between them and explores some possible reasons behind such differences by revealing certain basic operative presuppositions embedded in the two formulations of the subliminal consciousness. THE YOGACARA SCHOOL OF Buddhism is distinguished within the Buddhist tradition by its meticulous analysis of consciousness because of its theoretical preoccupation with the possibility of awakening. It has produced an elaborate theoretical framework designed to demonstrate how the deluded consciousness of sentient beings can be transformed into the awakened consciousness of the Buddha. One of the major
TNF-α-induced c-Fos generation in the nucleus of the solitary tract is blocked by NBQX and MK-801

Previous studies have shown that identified neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) are excited by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Vagal afferent connections with the NST a...
Spontaneous Toroidal Rotation in Alcator C-Mod Plasmas with No Momentum Input

Spontaneous toroidal rotation of impurity ions has been observed in the core of Alcator C-Mod plasmas with no external momentum input. The magnitude of the rotation ranges from -60 km/s (countercur...
More than just tracking time

Display Omitted The health field increasingly uses online platforms to deliver health interventions.New measures of end-user engagement are needed to evaluate online interventions.We describe complex measures of end-user engagement in an online health intervention.Multiple engagement metrics can define end-user typologies and intervention exposure. BackgroundThere has been a rise in internet-based health interventions without a concomitant focus on new methods to measure user engagement and its effect on outcomes. We describe current user tracking methods for internet-based health interventions and offer suggestions for improvement based on the design and pilot testing of healthMpowerment.org (HMP). MethodsHMP is a multi-component online intervention for young Black men and transgender women who have sex with men (YBMSM/TW) to reduce risky sexual behaviors, promote healthy living and build social support. The intervention is non-directive, incorporates interactive features, and utilizes a point-based reward system. Fifteen YBMSM/TW (age 20-30) participated in a one-month pilot study to test the usability and efficacy of HMP. Engagement with the intervention was tracked using a customized data capture system and validated with Google Analytics. Usage was measured in time spent (total and across sections) and points earned. ResultsAverage total time spent on HMP was five hours per person (range 0-13). Total time spent was correlated with total points earned and overall site satisfaction. ConclusionMeasuring engagement in internet-based interventions is crucial to determining efficacy. Multiple methods of tracking helped derive more comprehensive user profiles. Results highlighted the limitations of measures to capture user activity and the elusiveness of the concept of engagement.
Product Platform Design with Consideration of Uncertainty

Product platform design plays a crucial role in designing multiple products. This paper presents a methodology for product platform design in the presence of uncertainty. Uncertainties in both the design and production stages are considered, and are treated separately depending on whether they are considered stochastic uncertainty or epistemic uncertainty. Stochastic and epistemic uncertainties are modelled and represented using a probability approach and a fuzzy sets approach, respectively. The methodology ensures that robustness against both types of uncertainties is achieved not only at the product family level but also at the individual product level. The design of a family of automotive bumpers to fit a catalog of five vehicles is presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.
Studying Chemokine Control of Neutrophil Migration In Vivo in a Murine Model of Inflammatory Arthritis

Chemokines regulate the migration of cells in vivo and dysregulated expression of chemokines and their receptors are implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory arthritides, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are characterized by the recruitment of inflammatory cells into joints. The K/BxN serum transfer mouse model of inflammatory arthritis shares many similar features with RA. In this autoantibody-induced model of arthritis, neutrophils are the critical immune cells necessary for the development of joint inflammation and damage. In this review, we describe the use of several methods to study the role of chemoattractant receptors, including chemokine receptors, on the recruitment of neutrophils into the joint in the K/BxN model of inflammatory arthritis. This includes both traditional methods, such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme assays, as well as multiphoton in vivo microscopy that we have adapted to study the role of immune cell trafficking in and around the joint in live mice.
Tunneling conductance for Majorana fermions in spin-orbit coupled semiconductor-superconductor heterostructures using superconducting leads

It has been recently pointed out that the use of a superconducting (SC) lead instead of a normal metal lead can suppress the thermal broadening effects in tunneling conductance from Majorana fermions, helping reveal the quantized conductance of $2{e}^{2}/h$. In this paper we discuss the specific case of tunneling conductance with SC leads of spin-orbit coupled semiconductor-superconductor (SM-SC) heterostructures in the presence of a Zeeman field, a system which has been extensively studied both theoretically and experimentally using a metallic lead. We examine the $dI/dV$ spectra using a SC lead for different sets of physical parameters including temperature, tunneling strength, wire length, magnetic field, and induced SC pairing potential in the SM nanowire. We conclude that in a finite wire the Majorana splitting energy $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}E$, which has nontrivial dependence on these physical parameters, remains responsible for the $dI/dV$ peak broadening, even when the temperature broadening is suppressed by the SC gap in the lead. In a finite wire the signatures of Majorana fermions with a SC lead are oscillations of quasi-Majorana peaks about bias $V=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}_{\text{lead}}$, in contrast to the case of metallic leads where such oscillations are about zero bias. Our results will be useful for analysis of future experiments on SM-SC heterostructures using SC leads.
The costs of traumatic brain injury.

In this time of limited resources and escalating health care costs, it is important to understand the “costs” associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Existing cost data are quite conservative, and most reports capture only part of the picture. This paper provides an overview of TBI-related costs and describes the limitations of the existing data. Some cost data specific to North Carolina are presented, as well as recommendations as to how we might acquire more comprehensive data regarding TBI. Estimates of the costs associated with TBI are inextricably linked to the way cases are identified, which in turn generates incidence and prevalence data. There is no national registry for TBI and, at present, most states have no TBI surveillance systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate the annual incidence of TBI at 1.5 million cases, with 50,00 deaths and approximately 230,000 hospitalizations each year. Every year, brain injury leads to long-term disability in 80,000 to 90,000 individuals, and a cumulative total of about 5.3 million Americans are currently living with disabilities resulting from brain injury. 1 Staggering as these numbers are, they almost certainly underestimate the true incidence and prevalence of disability due to TBI. In large part, this is because only those persons whose injuries led to hospitalization are counted. The one million people with less severe TBIs who are treated and released from emergency departments each year, 1 and unknown numbers of subjects with mild injuries, go unidentified because they seek outpatient treatment or no treatment at all. The residual impairments associated with mild TBI are generally minimal, but there are data to suggest that a significant percentage of so-called mild injuries lead to persistent and disabling symptoms. 2 The financial costs associated with TBI represent the economic burden imposed on individuals, organizations, and societies by injury-related illness, disability, and premature death. Commonly identified costs include the direct costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, and the indirect costs of earnings lost to disability and death. The most comprehensive study of TBI-related costs was published in
$sup 90$ $sup 92$ $sup 94$Zr(p,p') REACTIONS AT 12.7 MeV.

The elastic and inelastic scattering of 12.7-MeV protons from $^{90,92,94}\mathrm{Zr}$ has been studied. Angular distributions for the elastic and 40 inelastic groups were measured. An optical-model analysis of the elastic scattering was performed. The inelastic scattering was interpreted, using the usual "collective"-model interaction and the distorted-wave approximation. Multipolarities $L$ were assigned where possible, and strength parameters ${\ensuremath{\beta}}_{L}$ were deduced. The inelastic scattering to some states was also compared with the predictions of the shell model, using a simple two-body interaction of Yukawa type and including the effects of core polarization. Reasonable agreement was obtained, although the angular distributions for the ${0}^{+}$ and ${3}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ excitations imply that a more sophisticated effective interaction is required.
Private Transfers, Race, and Wealth

How do private transfers differ by race and ethnicity and do such differences explain the racial and ethnic disparity in wealth? Using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, this study examines private transfers by race and ethnicity and explores a causal relationship between private transfers and wealth. We examine private transfers in the form of financial support received and given from extended families and friends, as well as large gifts and inheritances. Our findings highlight important differences in private transfers by race and ethnicity: African Americans and Hispanics (both immigrant and nonimmigrant) receive less in private transfers than non-Hispanic whites.
Abstract 1269: Activation of the NKG2D receptor differentially activates mTOR and NFκB signaling pathways in CD8+ T cells.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC To induce strong anti-tumor immune responses, CD8+ T cells require stimulation through the TCR and costimulatory receptors. Each costimulatory molecule can have a unique effect on the function of T cells due to differential activation of downstream signaling pathways and gene expression. One costimulation molecule that is likely to be engaged in the tumor microenvironment is NKG2D since the ligands for this receptor are expressed in over 80% of tumors. In order to determine how activation of costimulatory receptors in the tumor microenvironment affects CD8+ T cell functions, previous studies have compared the activation of CD8+ T cells through CD3 in combination with either CD28 or NKG2D and showed that CD3 and NKG2D stimulated cells secreted less anti-inflammatory cytokines. Both costimulatory receptors activated AKT, however the altered cytokine secretion was due to the unique activation of β-catenin in NKG2D stimulated cells. This study aimed to further investigate the differences in the signaling pathways downstream of AKT that are activated by CD3 /CD28 and CD3/NKG2D. Specifically, this study focused on the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2) along with nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), all of which have been shown to have important roles in the CD8+ T cell anti-tumor functions. Activation of the mTORC1, mTORC2 and NFκB pathways were compared in murine CD8+ effector T cells stimulated through CD3 alone, CD3 and CD28 or CD3 and NKG2D. The activation of mTORC1was measured through phosphorylation of its downstream effectors including 4-EBP1, P70SK6 and HIF-1, while mTORC2 measured activation of AKT, SGK1 and NFkβ. Activation of CD8+ T cells through CD3 and NKG2D decreased activation of mTORC1 while increasing activation of mTORC2. Together this shows that activation through NKG2D leads to the differential activation of signaling pathways, thus likely altering the anti-tumor effector functions of the CD8+ T cells. Citation Format: Amorette E. Barber, Taylor Bedsworth, Jasmine Spence, Emily Whitman. Activation of the NKG2D receptor differentially activates mTOR and NFκB signaling pathways in CD8+ T cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1269. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1269
Abstract 5285: ADAM12: A novel mediator of tumor angiogenesis

ADAM12 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) is a member of a family of integral membrane and secreted Zn-dependent metalloproteases that have diverse roles in normal and pathological states. Human ADAM12 is expressed as two alternatively spliced forms, a membrane-anchored long form (ADAM12-L), and a short secreted form (ADAM12-S). Increased levels of ADAM12 mRNA and protein have been reported in a variety of cancers including colon, hepatocellular, lung, gastric and glioblastoma. We have previously reported that urinary ADAM12 is predictive of disease status and stage in breast cancer. We have also demonstrated that expression of ADAM12 isoforms in breast tumor cells results in a higher rate of tumor take, increased tumor size and endocrine resistance. ADAM12-S expression stimulated migration and invasion of breast tumor cells in vitro and local and distant tumor invasion in vivo. In the course of these studies, we observed that ADAM12 is upregulated in the vessels of aggressive breast tumors as compared to normal adjacent breast tissue. ADAM12-overexpressing breast tumors also displayed a higher microvascular density. Furthermore, we found that angiogenic tumors express higher levels of ADAM12 compared to their preangiogenic counterparts. The goal of the present study was to determine whether ADAM12 regulates tumor angiogenesis. Basal levels of ADAM12-L expression in HUVEC and HMVEC are relatively low, however, both ADAM12 protein and mRNA expression is significantly increased when cells are stimulated with growth factors such as VEGF, bFGF or inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα, TGFβ or IL1α. Interestingly, VEGF stimulation of endothelial cells (EC) resulted in ADAM12 protein expression and/or localization specifically along the invadopodia of these cells. Consistent with these results, we found that ADAM12 overexpression in EC resulted in significantly increased rates of migration, capillary tube formation and increased adhesion to fibronectin and type IV collagen but not laminin. In vivo studies demonstrate that ADAM12 significantly increases bFGF-mediated angiogenesis in the mouse corneal pocket assay. Taken together, our data provide evidence supporting a novel role for ADAM12 in the regulation of endothelial cell function and tumor angiogenesis. Studies to investigate the mechanism/s by which ADAM12 may regulate angiogenesis are ongoing. [The authors acknowledge the support of NIH PO1 CA045548, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and The Simeon J. Fortin Foundation] Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5285. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5285
Abstract A49: Evidence for gene demethylation in human colon cancer by black raspberries

Black raspberries (BRBs) exhibit cancer preventative effects in the human colon, in part, by reducing the growth rate and increasing the apoptosis of human colon tumor cells. Recently, we have initiated investigations to determine whether BRBs also cause re‐expression of genes in human colon cells that are silenced by aberrant hypermethylation. Cultured human colon cancer cell lines HCT116, Caco2 and SW480, were treated with an anthocyanin‐rich (AC) fraction of BRBs every day for five days. AC treatment caused a decreased activity of DNA methyltransferases in a substrate‐antibody assay (p These in vitro observations were confirmed by the examination of normal and tumorous tissue samples taken from 20 colon cancer patients who received daily dietary intervention of freeze‐dried BRB powder (60g/day) in drinking water for an average of 3 weeks. DNA from the tissue samples was analyzed by MassARRAY which revealed an overall decrease in p16 methylation in both normal and tumor tissues (p Immunohistochemical analysis of p16 and DNMT1 in the same tissue samples showed that BRB treatment increased p16 expression and decreased DNMT expression (p Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A49.
Factors Affecting the Fumigation of Food Commodities for Insect Control

The experimental data presented in this report indicate that the problem in commercial fumigation is to treat the food commodities with a fumigant at the lowest concentration that will sterilize them against insect infestations and at the same time expose the commodity to a concentration sufficiently low to prevent physical injury so that its commercial value will not be decreased. A fumigant that is adequate for sterilizing food commodities against insect infestations should have the following additional qualities: (1) The fumigant must be a gaseous substance or a liquid compound that is easily converted to the gaseous state and maintained in that condition during the exposure period. (2) A liquid fumigant must have a sufficiently low boiling point so that it can be easily converted and maintained in the gaseous state at room temperature. (3) It is usually advantageous for a fumigant to have a low molecular weight, for the lower the molecular weight of a fumigant the greater is the diffusion rate. (4) In general it is preferable that a fumigant be insoluble in water, since those that are highly soluble in water are usually highly sorbed by the treated commodities, and the highly sorptive rates of a commodity for a fumigant are positively correlated with an excessive amount of residue. (5) Fumigants must not leave within the commodity an excess amount of toxic residue. (6) If fresh fruits are the commodities that are being treated the fumigant must not cause external injury such as pitting and blackening of the peel. (7) Fumigants must not cause internal injury such as discoloration and darkening of the edible portion of the fruit. (8) They must not prevent uniform maturation and softening of the fruit during storage. (9) The treatment must not produce or cause a development of off-flavor. (10) The treatment must not shorten the storage or shelf-life of the commodity.
How may the school nurse use data effectively

Consistent with their colleagues in other health care settings, school nurses function in a data-driven society. Collecting, analyzing, and sharing data with stakeholders are critical responsibilities for both improving school nursing practice and interpreting its importance to others. School nurses have unique opportunities to collect and use data in a variety of capacities affecting the health and education of children and adolescents. Moving into data-driven practice offers exciting surprises--and demands abilities to identify questions, understand data limitations, create and implement performance improvement programs, and use findings for evidence-based practice and advocacy.
How we treat seborrheic dermatitis.

Seborrheic dermatitis usually presents as scaling lesions of the scalp, nasolabial folds, ears and presternal skin. Although often present in patients with acne vulgaris, rosacea or Parkinson's disease, it is not regularly associated with systemic disease. Local steroids help most with inflamed lesions, but nonprescription proprietary agents:, if continually used, are generally effective.
Evaluation of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) versus polydioxanone (PDS) for the repair of dura mater defects.

AbstractA comparative animal experimental study was performed to test the potential application of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vs. polydioxanone (PDS) as durai substitutes. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a right frontoparietal craniotomy, opening of the dura mater, and a small cortical lesion. The durai defect was covered with a piece of ePTFE or PDS. Animals were sacrificed at 30 days or 90 days. Following decalcification, heads including scalp, skull, and underlying brain were sectioned, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and histologically analyzed. Durai defects repaired with ePTFE, showed minimal reactive changes and no adhesions to the brain surface. No foreign body type giant cell reaction was seen, and the graft became enclosed in a thin sheet of connective tissue. Durai defects repaired with PDS, showed some giant cell infiltration and ingrowth of collagen fibers. Both substitutes provided satisfactory biological function and biocompatibility. Expanded PTFE advantages included...
Multicentric Castleman Disease and Kaposi sarcoma: Two HHV8 diseases with different prognosis and treatment: A case report and review of literature

Abstract Aim Our aim is to discuss the possibility of the coexistence of multiple diagnoses within the same specimen and not to overlook the less obvious diagnosis, especially if it will affect the prognosis and management of the patient. Background The role of Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8), also known as Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes Virus (KSHV) in the pathogenesis of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and most cases of Multicentric Castleman Disease (MCD) in patients infected with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have been previously described. The coexistence of both KS and MCD is not uncommon but due to the difference in their treatment, our goal is to point out the importance of early detection of possible MCD in patients with KS. Materials and Methods We describe the H&E and immunohistochemical findings of an inguinal lymph node and the skin of the neck in a patient with cutaneous and lymph node Kaposi sarcoma. Results HHV8 positive Castleman disease was detected in the same lymph node affected with KS, guiding the clinician to the initiation of the appropriate chemotherapy targeting MCD. Conclusion High clinical suspension is required in cases of cutaneous and lymph node Kaposi sarcoma with diffuse lymphadenopathy and systemic manifestation for early detection and proper treatment of aggressive and possibly fatal MCD.
Endometrial biopsy during treatment of luteal phase defects is predictive of therapeutic outcome

Luteal phase deficiency (LPD), as diagnosed by endometrial biopsy, is not a single disorder but rather a spectrum of dysfunction that reflects both endometrial cycle and ovarian cycle abnormalities. Forty-three patients were diagnosed as having LPD by two consecutive abnormal cycles. Seven patients (16%) with hyperprolactinemia received bromocriptine, and one hypothyroid patient received thyroid replacement. The remaining patients were treated sequentially with progesterone suppositories, clomiphene, the combination, and follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. If no conception occurred in 6months on a given type of therapy, treatment was advanced. Patients were rebiopsied on each medication. In all, 33 of 41 (81%) compliant patients conceived. No viable pregnancies occurred without normal endometrial maturation, regardless of the treatment modality employed. When compared with time-life table projections, pregnancies occurred at rates comparable to those of a normal population once normal endometrial maturation was obtained with therapy. The endometrial biopsy accurately reflects the functional state of both the ovarian cycle and the endometrial cycle and can be used to determine adequacy of therapy, thereby improving conception rates in patients with LPD and eliminating the need for therapeutic trials.
SU-F-T-454: Dose-Mass-Histogram Sensitivity to Anatomical Changes During Radiotherapy for HNSCC

Purpose: To determine the sensitivity of dose-mass-histogram (DMH) due to anatomical changes of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) radiotherapy (RT). Methods: Eight patients undergoing RT treatment for HNSCC were scanned during the third and sixth week of RT. These second (CT2) and third (CT3) CTs were co-registered to the planning CT (CT1). Contours were propagated via deformable registration from CT1 and doses were re-calculated. DMHs were extracted for each CT set. DMH sensitivity was assessed by dose-mass indices (DMIs), which represent the dose delivered to a certain mass of and anatomical structure. DMIs included: dose to 98%, 95% and 2% of the target masses (PTV1, PTV2, and PTV3) and organs-at-risk (OARs): cord DMI2%, brainstem DMI2%, left_ and right_parotid DMI2% and DMI50%, and mandible DMI2%. A two-tailed paired t-test was used to compare changes to DMIs in CT2 and CT3 with respect to CT1 (CT2/CT1 and CT3/CT1). Results: Changes to DMHs were found for all OARs and PTVs, but they were significant only for the PTVs. Maximum dose to PTVs increased significantly for CT2/CT1 in all three PTVs, but CT3/CT1 changes were only significantly different for PTV1 and PTV2. Dose coverage to the three PTVs was also significantly different, DMI98% was lower for both CT2/CT1 and CT3/CT1. DMI95% was significantly lower for PTV1 for CT2/CT1, PTV2 for CT2/CT1 and CT3/CT1, and PTV3 for CT3/CT1. Conclusion: Changes in anatomy significantly change dose-mass coverage for the planning targets, making it necessary to re-plan in order to maintain the therapeutic goals. Maximum dose to the PTVs increase significantly as RT progresses, which may not be problematic as long as the high dose remains in the gross tumor volume. Doses to OARs were minimally affected and the differences were not significant.
Resources and Methods for Studying Cancer Among Asian Americans

Asian Americans are a diverse group and have a long history of migration to the United States (USA). Large differences in cancer rates between countries of origin and the USA, as well as diversity in lifestyle and environmental exposures, provide an opportunity to identify and study risk factors for specific cancers that can provide insights into cancer etiology and methods of prevention. The migration experience has created a type of natural experiment in which populations with a common genetic background have been exposed to different risk factors in a new environment and provides the opportunity to determine if risk factor changes can be linked to changes in their cancer rates. Multiple data sources are available to study cancer in Asian Americans, including US Census data to provide denominators for rates, cancer registries to assess cancer incidence, as well as observational studies in which personal risk factor information is obtained. Study designs which have been used include the ecologic, cross-sectional, case series, case-control, and cohort studies. Limitations and caveats in using these resources and study designs are described.
Age-related differences in the structural complexity of subcortical and ventricular structures.

It has been well established that the volume of several subcortical structures decreases in relation to age. Different metrics of cortical structure (e.g., volume, thickness, surface area, and gyrification) have been shown to index distinct characteristics of interindividual differences; thus, it is important to consider the relation of age to multiple structural measures. Here, we compare age-related differences in subcortical and ventricular volume to those differences revealed with a measure of structural complexity, quantified as fractal dimensionality. Across 3 large data sets, totaling nearly 900 individuals across the adult lifespan (aged 18–94 years), we found greater age-related differences in complexity than volume for the subcortical structures, particularly in the caudate and thalamus. The structural complexity of ventricular structures was not more strongly related to age than volume. These results demonstrate that considering shape-related characteristics improves sensitivity to detect age-related differences in subcortical structures.
Meteor Astronomy at Home and Abroad

The early to mid-1930s witnessed six loci of scientific meteor study within the USA or with American astronomers’ supervision or collaboration: Flower Observatory (American Meteor Society), Iowa’s Midwest Meteor Association, Antarctica, Harvard College Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts and its Arizona outpost near Lowell Observatory, and, finally, the Society for Research on Meteorites formed in 1933 at Chicago.