cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Stem Cell Aging by Retinoblastoma Like-1 (p107)

It is well documented that both quantitative and qualitative changes in the murine hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) population occur with age. We have previously mapped a quantitative trait locus (QTL) to murine chromosome 2 that is associated with the variation in frequency of HSCs between aged C57BL/6 (B6) and DBA/2 (D2) mice. In B6 mice the HSC population steadily increases with age, whereas in D2 mice, this population declines. A QTL regulating the natural variation in lifespan between the two strains was mapped to the same location on mouse Chr 2, thus leading to the hypothesis that stem cell function affects longevity. B6 alleles of this locus, associated with expansion of the stem cell pool, are also associated with a ~50% increase in lifespan. In the present study, we characterize a congenic mouse model which was generated by introgressing D2 alleles in the QTL onto a B6 background. Using a surrogate assay to mimic aging, we analyzed the cell cycle, apoptotic and self-renewal capabilities of congenic and B6 HSCs and show that D2 alleles in the QTL affect the apoptotic and self-renewal capabilities of HSCs. Next, we used oligonucleotide arrays to compare the differential expression of B6 and congenic cells using a population enriched for primitive stem and progenitor cells. Three variables were examined using Affymetrix M430 arrays: the effect of strain—congenic versus background; the effect of age—2 months versus 22 months; and the effects of 2 Gy of irradiation because previous studies indicated that congenic animals were highly sensitive to the effects of mild radiation compared to B6 background animals. Extensive analysis of the expression arrays pointed to a strong candidate, the gene encoding Retinoblastoma like protein 1, otherwise known as p107. The B6 allele is associated with increased p107 expression in old HSCs therefore p107 in this context is a positive regulator of stem cell number in aged mice. Real-time PCR was used to validate the differential expression of p107 in lineage negative and lineage negative Sca-1+, c-kit+ (LSK) cells. Detailed sequence analysis of the gene revealed the presence of 4 non-synonymous, coding region single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between B6 and D2 mice, which may contribute to the differential expression of the gene and function of the protein. Perhaps most importantly, we show that overexpression of p107 in congenic HSCs increases day 21, day 28, and day 35 CAFC numbers in vivo by 2- to 4-fold, therefore confirming its role as a positive regulator of primitive progenitor populations including HSCs. These studies uncover a novel role for p107 and provide additional clues in the complex regulation of stem cell aging.
Roles of ATP sensitive potassium channel in modulating gastric tone and accommodation in dogs.

AbstractObjective: The ATP sensitive potassium (KATP) channel plays an important role in the regulation of resting membrane potential and membrane excitability. The role of the KATP channel in modulating gastric motility is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of the KATP channel in modulating gastric tone and accommodation in dogs.Materials and methods: Gastric volume under a constant pressure reflecting gastric tone was measured using a barostat device in dogs equipped with a gastric cannula. Gastric accommodation was evaluated by the difference in gastric volume before and after a liquid meal. The roles of cholinergic and nitrergic pathways in the inhibitory effect of pinacidil (a KATP opener) were assessed.Results: 1) Pinacidil dose-dependently decreased gastric tone at a dosage of 30 (p = 0.628), 100 (p = 0.013) and 300 μg kg−1 (p < 0.001). 2) Glibenclamide, a KATP blocker, completely blocked the inhibitory effect of pinacidil on gastric tone. 3) Atropine did not b...
The functional capacity of children with post-infectious obliterative bronchiolitis

Post Infectious Obliterative Bronchiolitis (PIOB) is a rare condition arising from a severe insult to the lower respiratory tract causing narrowing or obliteration of the small airways. We aimed to assess lung function, activity and exercise capacity of 15 children with PIOB and compare 2 forms of exercise testing. At visit 1, full lung function testing was performed, physical activity questionnaire for older children (PAQ-C) and adolescents (PAQ-A) and additional questions regarding perception of their abilities were completed. All children performed cardio-pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and modified shuttle test (MST) in a randomised order at visits 2 and 3. Preliminary results for the first 8 patients are presented, median age 10.5 (8-14) years, 7 males. Median baseline % predicted FEV 1 81 (32-104). Median % predicted TLC 101 (79-108), RV/TLC 104 (65-116), TLCO 105 (80-126). Median VO 2 max % predicted from CPET 79 (35-129). Resting SpO 2 was normal and no desaturation occurred with exercise. Resting and end Borg scores and heart rates were comparable for both tests and demonstrated good effort. Mean PAQ score 2.7±0.8 (1=low activity, 5= high activity). 44% reported they could run as fast as their friends but 77% felt they got more out of breath and 66% felt unable to exercise for longer than their friends. We demonstrated significant variation in the exercise capacity and perception amongst children and adolescents with PIOB with some children having normal exercise capacity and some markedly reduced. Both exercise tests appear comparable. Baseline lung function appears to correlate with exercise capacity.
Wavefunction Theory Approaches to Noncovalent Interactions

Abstract This chapter describes how even ab initio quantum chemistry methods can be challenged to provide accurate results for noncovalent interaction energies. Convergence of energies with respect to electron correlation treatment and basis set are discussed, with the finding that only the “gold standard” of quantum chemistry, coupled-cluster through perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)], is consistently reliable among the traditional hierarchy of quantum chemistry methods, and then only in the complete basis set (CBS) limit. Effective ways to estimate the CCSD(T)/CBS limit are discussed. Numerous proposals have been made for ways to improve the accuracy of more approximate wavefunction methods for noncovalent interaction energies. These are compared and assessed against a common set of benchmark-quality CCSD(T)/CBS interaction energies. Finally, the performance of some of the best wavefunction methods is also compared to that of density functional approximations and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory.
Effectiveness of Interventions for Caregivers of People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Major Neurocognitive Disorders: A Systematic Review

Objective The goal of the evidence review was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease and related major neurocognitive disorders that facilitate the ability to maintain participation in the caregiver role. Method Scientific literature published in English between January 2006 and April 2014 was reviewed. Databases included MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, OTseeker, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Results Of 2,476 records screened, 43 studies met inclusion criteria. Strong evidence shows that multicomponent psychoeducational interventions improve caregiver quality of life (QOL), confidence, and self-efficacy and reduce burden; cognitive reframing reduces caregiver anxiety, depression, and stress; communication skills training improves caregiver skill and QOL in persons with dementia; mindfulness-based training improves caregiver mental health and reduces stress and burden; and professionally led support groups enhance caregiver QOL. Conclusion Strong evidence exists for a spectrum of caregiver interventions. Translation of effective interventions into practice and evaluation of sustainability is necessary.
(A) Editor’s Note: Traditions and New Beginnings

Welcome to the inaugural issue of my editorship of Communication Booknotes Quarterly (CBQ). I come to this task with professional experiences as a journalist, feature writer and public relations ma...
Learning how to be a transformational leader through a skill-building, role-play exercise

Transformational leadership is a universal ideal leadership style. Research has shown that transformational leadership is more effective across a wide range of situations compared to transactional leadership. However, in practice, managers often resort to a transactional style of leadership. Thus, it is important to provide students an opportunity to practice the transformational leadership style. This article details a two-step, role-play exercise that enables students to learn and apply specific influence tactics that can be used by transformational leaders. The exercise is ideal for use by instructors of both undergraduate and graduate organizational behavior and leadership classes. This exercise can also be used for executive training and coaching.
Extracardiac Findings on Cardiac CTA

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) is a powerful, noninvasive tool to evaluate coronary anatomy, plaque, and areas of stenosis in the coronary arteries. Technological advancements have now given CCTA diagnostic capabilities that approach those of invasive coronary angiography, which remains the gold standard for coronary artery imaging. CCTA is often used in an outpatient setting to evaluate for coronary artery disease as well as graft patency following coronary artery bypass. Recent studies have shown that CCTA can effectively rule out acute coronary syndrome in low to intermediate-risk patients, who present with suspicious chest pain. The use of CCTA is on the rise, and it is important to recognize its diagnostic capabilities not only related to the coronary arteries and heart, but also with respect to extracardiac structures.
Race and Ethnicity in the Labor Market; Changes, Restructuring, and Resistance 2000–2014

The labor market is described as a set of queuing practices in which employers rank workers in terms of their views of who is likely to be productive, who they can pay the least, who will not complain about working conditions, and who is likely to fit in. Workers rank jobs in terms of wages, benefits, autonomy, and workplace conditions, as well as who they know. These queues are neither gender neutral nor color blind, despite laws that prohibit deliberate discrimination. The data in this chapter reveal a stratified queue with substantial differences in unemployment rates, occupational participation, and earnings in 2000 among racial, ethnic, and gender groups. By 2014, more workers fell back in the queue as employers used race-, ethnicity-, and gender-based strategies to restructure the workforce to increase profits and control. Not surprisingly, in a capitalist economy, worker strategies had substantially less impact, especially because of lack of unity among race, ethnic and immigrant groups. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how we can expect the queue to change in the next decade.
How to use and interpret interval likelihood ratios.

Background: Likelihood ratios offer important advantages over sensitivity and specificity for characterizing diagnostic tests. They can capture the magnitude of abnormality of test results, whereas sensitivity and specificity require that the test results be dichotomized into positive or negative. This is an important advantage because many diagnostic tests are measured on continuous or ordinal scales. Posttest probabilities calculated from interval likelihood ratios may be different than those calculated from sensitivity and specificity; clinical decisions derived from the use of likelihood ratios may therefore be different from decisions derived from test results characterized by sensitivity and specificity. This article demonstrates the advantages, use, and interpretation of interval likelihood ratios using the clinical scenario of a young child with a high fever.
Review of biphasic insulin aspart in the treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Background Insulin is an effective treatment for achieving glycemic control and preventing complications in patients with diabetes. In order to make insulin therapy more acceptable to patients, newer formulations of insulin have been developed, such as biphasic insulins. Biphasic insulins conveniently provide both prandial and basal insulin in a single injection. One of the most well-studied biphasic insulins is biphasic insulin aspart 70/30.
Logging technology for high-temperature geothermal boreholes

The Earth Science Instrumentation Group at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is developing instrumentation and new tools that can withstand downhole temperatures in excess of 300°C and pressures greater than 138 MPa (20,000 psi).
Cost Benefit Analysis of Hotel Recycling Practices in India

Waste reduction practices like recycling are not only beneficial to the environment but can provide economic benefits and enhance the image of the Hoteliers. There is a need for more studies on the economic benefits of recycling practices to the hoteliers. This study investigated the cost and benefit analysis of solid waste reduction via recycling in India, by exploring eight highly rated hotels and assessing the average recycling benefits attributed to these hotels in India. The result indicated that by practicing recycling, the hospitality industry would protect the environment while generating economic benefits from waste reduction.
Abstract B56: Regulation of CXCR5-CXCL13 signaling in prostate cancer etiologic disparities

The prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) has been a worldwide burden. Cancer of the prostate is the most prevalent form of cancer in men and the second leading cause of death due to cancer in men in the United States and Europe. There is a major health disparity associated with PCa; the number of fatalities associated with this disease is more significant in African-American (AA) men than in European American (EA) men. Disease progression occurs despite hormone ablation therapy, which leads to a condition called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Further complicating the matter, CRPC is a disease that affects a variety of patients differently, which can be problematic for physicians to provide standardized treatments with similar outcomes. AAs with CRPC can experience significantly lower rates of overall survival, faster rates of tumor progression, and poor responses to chemotherapy compared to EAs with this disease. We previously showed that CXCL13:CXCR5 axis plays a role in PCa pathobiology and is also associated with PCa aggressiveness; CXCR5 signaling mediates PCa cell growth, migration, invasion, and docetaxel resistance. To further understand the implication of CXCR5-CXCL13 in CRPC, we characterize the reason behind the health disparities seen across groups of PCa patients by evaluating the difference in regulatory molecules (miRNAs) on CXCL13-CXCR5 signaling. We found the expression profile of CXCL13 and CXCR5 RNA to be associated with miRNAs (miR-140-3p.1, miR-24-3p, miR-200c, miR-221-3p/22-3p, miR-192-5p/215-5p, miR-214-5p). Using RNA-seq datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Sequence Read Archive (SRA), CXCL13 and CXCR5 RNA as well as associated miRNAs (miR-140-3p.1, miR-24-3p, miR-221-3p/22-3p, miR-192-5p/215-5p, and miR-214-5p) were defined by etiologic disparities among PCa patients; this correlation is different among AA men compared to EA men. Understanding PCa and specifically CRPC disparities requires a better understanding of the race-specific differences in prostate tumor biology, molecules leading to prostate inflammation, and the mechanisms associated with CRPC therapeutic resistance and its aggressive phenotype. Citation Format: Adaugo Queen Ohandjo, Courtney Dill, Chen Dongquan, James W. Lillard, Jr.. Regulation of CXCR5-CXCL13 signaling in prostate cancer etiologic disparities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B56.
Targeted Issue Messages and Voting Behavior

In today’s data-driven campaigns, presidential targeting strategies rely on detailed perceptions about the political leanings and policy positions of Americans to decide which registered voters to ...
Race and sex differences in adverse childhood experiences among Asian/Pacific Islander college students.

OBJECTIVE Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be detrimental to health, yet are understudied in Asians/Pacific Islanders (API). We described the prevalence of individual ACEs among API college students compared to White college students. Participants: College students (n = 8,472) from 17 Minnesota postsecondary institutions completed the College Student Health Survey in spring 2015. Methods: Students self-reported on 11 ACEs. We assessed differences in prevalence of individual ACEs between APIs and Whites. Results: APIs were more likely to report having been physically abused (adj. OR = 2.04), verbally abused (adj. OR = 1.25), and raped (adj. OR = 1.75) relative to Whites. Stratification by sex showed API males were more likely to have been sexually abused relative to White males, with additional ACEs differing significantly by sex and race. Conclusions: Individual ACE prevalence differed between APIs and Whites and is often sex-specific. Additional research is needed to estimate ACE prevalence in other racial/ethnic groups and their health impacts.
Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis in children: a single center experience

Background: Non-cystic-fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is still one of the most common causes of childhood morbidity. Objective: the study aimed to determine aetiology, clinical presentation, lobar distribution and microbiologic colonization of NCFB in children. Methods: we performed a retrospective review of clinical, laboratory and instrumental data from 132 non-CF patients with diagnosis of bronchiectasis. All the included patients were evaluated from 2010 to 2018. Results: Mean age at respiratory symptoms’ onset and diagnosis were 9.7 years (± 4.6 SD) and 10.6 years (±5.95 SD), respectively. The aetiology was as follows: post-infectious (39%), primary ciliary dyskinesia (30%), esophageal atresia with trachea-esophageal fistula (8%), secondary (7%) and primary immune deficiency (6%), bronchial malformation (3%), isolated asthma (3%), chronic aspiration (2%), pulmonary fibrosis with TBX4 gene mutation (1%), broncorrea in patient with CFTR polymorphism (1%). Chronic cough (45%), recurrent pneumonia (25%), single pneumonia episode (16%), recurrent wheezing (11%), were the commonest respiratory problems. Left and right lower lobes, medium lobe were commonly involved by cilindric bronchiectasis. H. Influenza (35, 31%), S. Aureus (20, 18%), P. Aeruginosa (20, 18%), were the more frequently isolated bacteria. 51 and 13 patients needed prophylactic oral (azithromycin) and inhaled antibiotics (tobramycin or colistin), respectively. Conclusions: this is the largest study in pediatric NCFB. As the management of NCFB affected patients remains problematic, a better definition of clinical, radiological and microbiological features of NCFB is required to improve their management. Reference: 1. BMC Pediatrics 2014;14: 299
Henry van Roonhuyse and the first repair of a vesico-vaginal fistula (~1676).

Obstetric vesico-vaginal fistula is a traumatic complication of prolonged obstructed labor in which pressure necrosis from the impacted fetal head destroys portions of the vesico-vaginal septum, resulting in continuous and uncontrollable urinary incontinence. Ancient evidence suggests that fistula cases have probably been occurring since the development of rotational delivery mechanics in anatomically modern humans hundreds of thousands of years ago. It is likely that attempts to repair such injuries also have a long history. The early history of vesico-vaginal fistula surgery was investigated to determine the earliest credible report of successful cure of this condition. Historical review of vesico-vaginal fistula surgery was undertaken, focusing on the work of Henry Van Roonhuyse, a seventeenth century Dutch surgeon living in Amsterdam. Van Roonhuyse’s clinical treatise entitled Medico-Chirurgical Observations (1676) was reviewed in detail and is described in this article. His technique for vesico-vaginal fistula repair included six essential steps that are still recognizable today: (1) use of the lithotomy position; (2) exposure of the fistula with a speculum; (3) sharp paring of the fistula edge prior to attempted closure; (4) careful approximation of the denuded edges of the fistula; (5) dressing of the wound with absorbent vaginal packing; (6) immobilization of the patient in bed until the repair has healed. Henry Van Roonhuyse is the most credible candidate presently known for having successfully repaired a vesico-vaginal fistula in the pre-modern era.
The Social Structure of Online Communities

With great potential benefit and possible harm, online social media platforms are transforming human society. Based on decades of deep exploration, distinguished scholar William Sims Bainbridge surveys our complex virtual society, harvesting insights about the future of our real world. Many pilot studies demonstrate valuable research methods and explanatory theories. Tracing membership interlocks between Facebook groups can chart the structure of a social movement, like the one devoted to future spaceflight development. Statistical data on the roles played by people in massively multiplayer online games illustrate the Silicon Law: information technology energizes both freedom and control, in a dynamic balance. The significance of open-source software suggests the traditional distinction between professional and amateur may fade, whereas web-based conflicts between religious and political groups imply that chasms are opening in civil society. This analysis of online space and the divergent communities is long overdue.
1.03 – Polymer Synthesis

This chapter provides an overview of the fundamental aspects of polymer synthesis for nonspecialist readers and covers basic processes in chain and step polymerization. Molecular weight averages, distributions, and their control are covered. In addition, polymerization thermodynamics, copolymers, polymer modification, nonlinear polymers, and controlled polymerizations are all discussed.
Unlearning racism through transformative interracial dialogue

Presenting an empirical study of critical public pedagogy, this paper analyzes interracial dialogues on an internet forum run by conscious Black people who set the terms and challenge White partici...
Analytical Solutions for Three-Wedge Stability with Vertical Wedge Interfaces

Abstract A force-based limit equilibrium analysis is presented for the stability of a two-dimensional, three-wedge sliding mass of soil with vertical interfaces between the wedges. The analysis is ...
Glucocorticoid resistance and hyperlactatemia: A tag team to worsen sepsis

Glucocorticoid resistance often dims glucocorticoid's therapeutic efficacy in sepsis. However, the mechanism is incompletely understood. In this issue, Vandewalle et al. (2021) demonstrate that glucocorticoid resistance leads to hyperlactatemia and that this combination facilitates lethal sepsis. This insight gives important clarity to the pathophysiology of sepsis, while further suggesting therapeutic avenues for its treatment.
Margins that Matter: Exploring the Association Between Academic Match and Bachelor’s Degree Completion Over Time

There is a well-documented relationship between academic match and bachelor’s degree completion; students who undermatch are less likely to complete a BA than those who match or overmatch, net of academic qualifications and demographic characteristics. Little is known, however, about whether this association has changed over time. I argue that recent trends in U.S. higher education may have altered this association. Thus, while prior research has documented gaps in outcomes between undermatched, matched, and overmatched students, it is important to understand how these gaps may be evolving. The present study uses nationally representative data from three cohorts of first-time college students—students who began college in 1995, 2003, and 2011—to examine this question. Findings show that, in some ways, the association between academic match and BA completion has remained stable over time; across all three cohorts, undermatched students are less likely to graduate than matched and overmatched students, after controlling for academic qualifications and demographic characteristics. In other ways, the association may be evolving; overall, overmatched students’ odds of graduation have increased over time, while matched and undermatched students’ have not. There are multiple possible explanations for this, including the fact that graduation rates in recent years have become increasingly stratified by college selectivity. The study concludes with recommendations for policy and practice, as well as suggestions for future research.
A Brief History of PNH

Publisher Summary The history of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) shows many examples of the role of careful clinical observation and the application of the methods of science available at the time in unraveling this complex disorder. It was one of the first discrete hematological entities to be described, undoubtedly due to the dramatic content of its primary symptom—hemoglobinuria. The passage of red, dark brown, purple, or black urine is readily noted by the patient and induces a distinct impression on the physician. As with all science, it is characterized by a series of platforms, which solidify understanding and are built upon, as more observations are made and better methods become available. PNH seems to be the result of interaction between an acquired somatic defect in the hematopoietic precursors and an alteration in hematopoiesis by a presumably unrelated process. As in the past, the investigation of these factors will provide information not only about this disease, but about human biology in general and other diseases in particular.
Glutathione-Associated Enzymes In Anticancer Drug Resistance.

The importance of thiol-mediated detoxification of anticancer drugs that produce toxic electrophiles has been of considerable interest to many investigators. Glutathione and glutathione S-transferases (GST) are the focus of much attention in characterizing drug resistant cells. However, ambiguous and sometimes conflicting data have complicated the field. This article attempts to clarify some of the confusion. The following observations are well established: (a) tumors express high levels of GST, especially GST psi, although the isozyme components vary quite markedly between tissues and the isozymes are inducible; (b) nitrogen mustards are good substrates for the GST alpha family of isozymes which are frequently overexpressed in cells with acquired resistance to these drugs; (c) most drugs of the multidrug-resistant phenotype have not been shown to be GST substrates and although GST psi is frequently overexpressed in multidrug-resistant cells, most indications are that this is an accompaniment to, rather than a cause of, the resistant phenotype; (d) transfection of GST complementary DNAs has produced some lines with increased resistance to alkylating agents. Most studies of the relationships between GST and resistance have overlooked the potential importance of other enzymes involved in the maintenance of cellular glutathione homeostasis, and this has complicated data interpretation. Translational research aimed at applying our knowledge of glutathione pathways has produced preclinical and clinical testing of some glutathione and GST inhibitors, with some encouraging preliminary results. In brief, GSTs are important determinants of drug response for some, not all, anticancer drugs. Caution should be encouraged in assessing cause/effect relationships between GST overexpression and resistance mechanisms.
Hypoplastic anemia with multiple congenital defects (Fanconi syndrome).

A case of Fanconi syndrome at an unusually young age presenting anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, microcephaly, hypogenitalism, skin pigmentation, and anomalies of thumbs, kidneys and heart is described. The patient9s younger brother with multiple anomalies of the extremities, hydrocephalus, abnormal ears and genitalia died at the age of 17 months without pigmentation and hematologic symptoms, changes which usually do not occur before the age of 5 years. The literature is reviewed and a follow-up on previously reported cases is given. It seems that in addition to a hypoplasia of the bone marrow an extracorpuscular hemolytic mechanism plays a role in the pathogenesis of the anemia. It is suggested that some manifestations may be due to impaired adrenocortical function.
The Effects of Various Design Alternatives on Moving-Base Driving Simulator Discomfort

The effects of three independent variables on eight measures of driving simulator discomfort were investigated using a high-fidelity, moving-base driving simulator. The between-subjects simulator variables were: (1) simulation of lateral acceleration (LAT) -- by lateral translation (standard method) versus by angular rotation; (2) presence or absence of delay in the visual and motion systems (DEL) -- nondelayed (normal) versus delayed; and (3) simulator platform (CAB) -- open (normal) versus enclosed. After subjects drove the simulator, a multivariate analysis of variance was performed on the data and resulted in significance for each main effect and the LAT X DEL interaction. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that dependent measures of pallor, skin resistance, respiration rate, yaw deviation, and steering reversals were each reliably sensitive to at least one of the simulator independent variables. It is concluded that future simulator designs should avoid: rotation of the platform to simulate translation, delay in the system dynamics, and complete enclosure of subjects.
The Structural Abnormality of Hemoglobin MKankakee.

Abstract The abnormal structure of hemoglobin Mkankakee has been determined by protein sequence studies to be different from that of hemoglobin A by the substitution of a tyrosine residue for the histidine residue at position 87 of the α chain. The abnormal structure of hemoglobin Mkankakee found in a Caucasian family appears to be identical with the structure of hemoglobin Miwate found in some Japanese families.
Metabolism of pregnenolone by immature and term placental villi in organ culture.

Abstract Organ culture methods have been applied to the study of placental structure and histochemistry. No direct measurements of steroid biosynthesis by placental villi maintained in organ culture had been made previously. We have investigated the conversion of pregnenolone-7α- 3 H to progesterone-7α- 3 H by immature and term placental villi supported in this way. Placental villi were cultured in TC 199 medium without enrichment with serum or tissue extract; the gas phase was 5 per cent CO 2 in air. Under these conditions, immature and term placental villi converted 40 to 85 per cent of pregnenolone-7α- 3 H to progesterone-7α- 3 H after 24 hours in culture. Small amounts of 20α-dihydroprogesterone have also been isolated. Organ culture may prove valuable in further studies of placental steroid metabolism.
Book Review, Andreas Kalyvas and Ira Katznelson, Liberal Beginnings: Making a Republic for the Moderns

This book review considers Andreas Kalyvas and Ira Katznelson's argument that there is less of an intrinsic tension between liberalism and republicanism than has been claimed by various students of the history of modern liberal thought. It fully endorses the authors' directing of our attention to the mode of thinking which is to be seen in their select group of subjects (Adam Smith, Adam Ferguson, James Madison, Thomas Paine, Germaine de Stael and Benjamin Constant). But it balks at their claim that their 'critical junctures' or 'heterogeneous and relational' interpretation of the rise of liberalism is superior to the 'linear' or 'trickle down' approach which sees this rise as a tale of the progressively strengthening influence of the 'giants' of political thought such as Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Montesquieu et. al. over lesser thinkers who were more absorbed in 'practical affairs.' The suggestion is made that what the authors take to be 'negotiable' differences of emphasis between the classically liberal and classically republican traditions may in fact be 'existential' oppositions which no single political order could overcome.
Optimal estimation and control of an environmental plant growth chamber

A method of controlling the carbon dioxide concentration in an environmental plant growth chamber is proposed for use in investigations of the effect of CO/sub 2/ concentration on growth rate. A discrete stochastic linear model is developed, and a control law based on the tracking problem of optimal control is used for minimizing the tracking error and the control effort. A Kalman-Bucy filter algorithm utilizing solar energy is developed to estimate the system states. A computer simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of the control law for the growth chamber. >
Can sharp waves localized at the sphenoidal electrode accurately identify a mesio-temporal epileptogenic focus?

Summary: In our patient population that had undergone antero-temporal lobectomy, we found 20 patients with a unilateral sphenoidal/antero-temporal interictal focus. All patients had normal computed tomography (CT) scans. Invasive recordings with subdural electrode arrays placed over and under the temporal lobe were used in every patient. We found that the scalp interictal focus predicted for all patients that both the interictal sharp waves and ictal onset would be mesiobasal/anterotemporal in location on the subdural arrays. Seventy-five percent of these patients had an excellent outcome with temporal lobectomy. RESUME Parmi leur population de patients operes par lobectomie temporale anterieure, les auteurs ont retenu 20 observations chez lesquelles ils avaient mis en evidence un foyer intercritique temporal unilateral anterieur ou sphenoidal. Tous ces patients avaient une tomodensitometrie normale. Les enregistrements invasifs au moyen d'electrodes sous-durales placees sur et sous le lobe temporal ont ete pratiques chez chacun de ces patients. Les auteurs ont trouve que le foyer intercritique superficiel permettait de predire chez tous les patients que les elements paroxystiques intercritiques et que le debut des crises auraient une localisation temporale medio-basale ou anterieure lors de l'enregistrement sous-dural. 75% de ces patients ont evolue tres favorablement apres lobectomie temporale. RESUMEN En nuestra poblacion de pacientes que habian sido sometidos a una lobectomia temporal anterior, encontramos 20 casos que tenian un foco interictal temporal esfenoidal/anterior, unilateral. Todos los pacientes tenian CT's normales. En cada paciente se utilizaron registros invasivos con series de electrodos subdurales implantados por encima y por debajo del lobulo temporal. Encontramos que el foco interictal, registrado desde el cuero cabelludo, predijo en todos los casos que, tanto las ondas agudas interictales como su comienzo ictal, serian de localizacion mesial-basal/anterior temporal en las series de electrodos subdurales. El 75% de estos pacientes tuvieron resultados excelentes tras una lobectomia temporal. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Unter unseren Patienten mit anteriorer Temporolobektomie fanden wir 20 Patienten mit einem einseitigen interiktalen Fokus sphenoidal-temporal-vorne. Alle Patienten boten ein normales CT. Jeder Patient wurde mit subduralen Elektrodenanordnungen im Bereich des Temporallappens untersucht. Es stellte sich heraus, das der interiktale Skalp-Fokus bei alien Pantienten zu einer richtigen Voraussage gefuhrt hatte, sowohl bezuglich interiktaler sharp-waves, als auch iktalem Beginn entsprechend der mesio-basalen/temporo-anterioren Lokalisation der subduralen Elektrodenplaziemng.
Stroke after pituitary irradiation.

Cranial irradiation may lead to accelerated atherosclerosis over several years. Stroke has been described after cranial irradiation administered for a number of conditions. However, pituitary irradiation has only rarely been associated with stroke.Two patients, 39 and 46 years of age, suffered strokes 13 and 20 years, respectively, after irradiation for pituitary tumors. Strokes were in the territories of small perforating arteries, but large vessels such as the carotid siphon and anterior cerebral arteries were also abnormal. Other risk factors for stroke were absent.It is suggested that pituitary irradiation increases the risk of subsequent stroke due to the known effects of ionizing radiation on vascular walls.
Borreliacidal activity of Borrelia metal transporter A (BmtA) binding small molecules by manganese transport inhibition

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, utilizes manganese (Mn) for its various metabolic needs. We hypothesized that blocking Mn transporter could be a possible approach to inhibit metabolic activity of this pathogen and eliminate the infection. We used a combination of in silico protein structure prediction together with molecular docking to target the Borrelia metal transporter A (BmtA), a single known Mn transporter in Borrelia and screened libraries of FDA approved compounds that could potentially bind to the predicted BmtA structure with high affinity. Tricyclic antihistamines such as loratadine, desloratadine, and 3-hydroxydesloratadine as well as yohimbine and tadalafil demonstrated a tight binding to the in silico folded BmtA transporter. We, then, tested borreliacidal activity and dose response of the shortlisted compounds from this screen using a series of in vitro assays. Amongst the probed compounds, desloratadine exhibited potent borreliacidal activity in vitro at and above 78 μg/mL (250 μM). Borrelia treated with lethal doses of desloratadine exhibited a significant loss of intracellular Mn specifically and a severe structural damage to the bacterial cell wall. Our results support the possibility of developing a novel, targeted therapy to treat Lyme disease by targeting specific metabolic needs of Borrelia.
Why should I talk about emotion? Communication patterns associated with physician discussion of patient expressions of negative emotion in hospital admission encounters

Abstract Objective To describe hospital-based physicians’ responses to patients’ verbal expressions of negative emotion and identify patterns of further communication associated with different responses. Methods Qualitative analysis of physician–patient admission encounters audio-recorded between August 2008 and March 2009 at two hospitals within a university system. A codebook was iteratively developed to identify patients’ verbal expressions of negative emotion. We categorized physicians’ responses by their immediate effect on further discussion of emotion – focused away (away), focused neither toward nor away (neutral), and focused toward (toward) – and examined further communication patterns following each response type. Results In 79 patients’ encounters with 27 physicians, the median expression of negative emotion was 1, range 0–14. Physician responses were 25% away, 43% neutral, and 32% toward. Neutral and toward responses elicited patient perspectives, concerns, social and spiritual issues, and goals for care. Toward responses demonstrated physicians’ support, contributing to physician–patient alignment and agreement about treatment. Conclusion Responding to expressions of negative emotion neutrally or with statements that focus toward emotion elicits clinically relevant information and is associated with positive physician–patient relationship and care outcomes. Practice implications Providers should respond to expressions of negative emotion with statements that allow for or explicitly encourage further discussion of emotion.
The bioinorganic chemistry of chromium(III)

Abstract The biochemistry of chromium(III) has been a poorly understood field of endeavor. Despite four decades of investigation, only recently has a somewhat clear picture of the role of Cr been refined. Chromium(III) is required for proper carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in mammals, although chromium deficiency is difficult to achieve. Conditions that increase circulating glucose and insulin concentrations increase urinary chromium output. Chromium is excreted after an insulin challenge in the form of the oligopeptide chromodulin. Chromodulin may be the key to understanding the role of chromium at a molecular level as the molecule has been found to bind to activated insulin receptor, stimulating its kinase activity. An examination of the history of studies of chromium picolinate and glucose tolerance factor illustrates the difficulties and problems associated with biochemical studies dealing with chromium(III).
Comparability of noninvasive microvolt T-wave alternans versus invasive ventricular programmed stimulation to guide implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation in patients at risk of sudden death.

In this issue of the Journal , Costantini et al. ([1][1]) publish a study comparing noninvasive microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) with invasive electrophysiological study with ventricular programmed stimulation (EPS) to identify patients at risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) who might benefit from
An unusually long ligamentum arteriosum

Summary During routine laboratory dissections an unusually long ligamentum arteriosum, measuring 40 mm, was observed. Apparently, such a length for an otherwise normal ligamentum has not been reported previously. Forty-three other ligamenta in adults and three in newborn or stillborn infants were also measured having a range of 8 mm to 24 mm (mean 15.47 mm) and 7.5 mm to 11 mm (mean 9.5 mm) respectively. Since short and long ligaments have been reported previously, both in the newborn as well as in the adult, the variability in length of this structure appears normal and without any functional significance.
On the use of series to integrate rate equations

The coefficients in power series, in the variable time, describing coupled nonlinear chemical reactions are easily obtained from a recursion relation. Since these series have a limited radius of convergence they are not very useful as such. If the series are inverted to give time as a function of the appropriate power of a progress variable, the new series converge over the entire time course of the reaction. If, further, the long-time asymptotic behavior, obtained from the linearized kinetic equations, is used, one can obtain a series expansion for a function that describes the correct short-time behavior. This function can be estimated very well using truncated series. The method works well for consecutive nonlinear reactions where the progress variables are monotonic functions of time; this includes many cases where the concentrations of intermediate species go through a maximum as the reaction progresses.
Some gas phase reactions of silicenium ions derived from sym-tetramethyldisiloxane

Abstract Ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy has been used to study reactions of the silicenium ions, Me2HSiO S + iMeR (R = H and Me), generated from sym-tetramethyldisiloxane in the gas phase. These silicenium ions react with neutral sym-tetramethyldisiloxane by an addition—elimination process, to form the homologous silicenium ions, H(Me2SiO ) + nSiMeR (n = 2 and 3). Analogous addition—elimination products, MeO(Me2SiO)nSiMeR, are derived from their reaction with methanol. Bimolecular adducts are observed in the presence of benzene and anisole, while oxygen abstraction occurs in the presence of anisole and acetone.
Bisphosphonates as a risk factor for adverse orthodontic outcomes: a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat osteoporosis. They act by decreasing the resorption of bone. Since tooth movement depends on bone remodeling, these drugs can impact orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which bisphosphonate therapy is a risk factor for poor orthodontic outcomes. Methods Orthodontists were invited to participate in the study by performing case reviews of women over age 50 who were treated from 2002 through 2008. Women who used bisphosphonates were compared with women who did not have a history of bisphosphonate use. Outcomes assessed included treatment time, osteonecrosis of the jaws, incisor alignment, incomplete space closure, and root parallelism. Results The records for 20 subjects with bisphosphonate exposure were collected, as well as records for 93 subjects without bisphosphonate exposure. In patients undergoing extractions, treatment times were significantly longer if they had a history of bisphosphonate use. No occurrences of osteonecrosis of the jaws were reported, nor did patients end treatment with incisor alignment discrepancies greater than 1 mm, regardless of bisphosphonate exposure. Among patients with extractions or initial spacing, there were higher odds of incomplete space closure (odds ratio, 13) and poor root parallelism (odds ratio, 26) at the end of treatment for patients using bisphosphonates. Conclusions Bisphosphonate use is associated with longer treatment times among extraction patients, increased odds of poor space closure, and increased odds of poor root parallelism.
Evaluation of aptamers as molecular recognition elements for pathogens using capillary electrophoretic analysis

The biomolecular interactions between a fluorescently labeled aptamer and whole cell Campylobacter jejuni ( C. jejuni ) have been characterized using capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection. From electrophoretic analysis, the bound complex forms, unbound aptamer, and cells were visualized. The relative binding affinity of the DNA aptamer with C. jejuni was compared with other food-borne pathogens including Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium . Preliminary data suggests that this aptamer exhibits strong binding affinity towards C. jejuni with minimal cross reactivity over other food pathogens when equivalent cell concentrations were used.
561 NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS (NEC) IN THE VLBW: AN ENCOURAGING FOLLOW-UP REPORT

To evaluate the long term growth and development of VLBW(<1.5 Kg)infants with NEC, we prospectively followed all those surviving NEC from 1975 to 1978. Out of 551 VLBW admissions, 48(5.5%) developed NEC confirmed radiologically or at surgery. 23(48%)survived. 2 were lost to follow-up and 1 died after discharge. The remaining 20 infants(mean BW 1.2Kg, range.8-1.4Kg,GA 30 wks, range 27-32wks)were followed to a mean of 28 mos and compared to 330 surviving infants without NEC(non-NEC) of similar birth wt. The course of NEC included perforation requiring surgery in 20, of whom 11 required an ileostomy. Only 4/20 were SGA(<3%) at birth but by discharge 17/20(85%)weighed less than the 3% for age. During infancy 16/20 were rehospitalized. 12 for reasons related to NEC. 6 infants had failure to thrive due to short bowel syndrome or secretory diarrhea which resolved with parenteral nutrition and ileostomy closure. Despite the high mortality and severe morbidity during infancy, most survivors of NEC subsequently progress well and function at the same level as infants without NEC.