cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VENOM IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR HONEYBEE STING-SENSITIVE PERSONS

Preliminary studies have suggested that venom immunotherapy for Hymenoptera-sensitive persons may be superior to conventional immunotherapy with whole insect extracts. The immunological and clinical effects of honeybee venom (HBV) “rush” hyposensitization were tested in 18 patients, who received an intensive two-day course of HBV injections once monthly. Initial doses of 0.5 μg were raised as rapidly as possible to 200 μg; one to nine treatment courses were required to reach 200 μg. Anaphylactic reactions were experienced by 11/18 patients during injection therapy. Patients then returned for deliberate honeybee sting challenges. Initial sting challenges were tolerated well by 10/17 patients completing therapy; 7 other patients required epinephrine. With subsequent treatment 11/17 patients achieved complete clinical protection; partial protection was achieved by 3 others. Protection was maintained by periodic deliberate stings or by HBV injections at 2-8 week intervals. Serum IgE antibodies to HBV and to venom phospholipase-A (PLA) rose dramatically (X=350%) after therapy and remained elevated over baseline levels tn 14 patients. Serum IgG antibodies to PLA rose steadily during therapy and approximated those seen in hyperimmune beekeepers in 8 patients. There was no level of IgG antibody which was protective for all patients. The results indicate that under controlled conditions HBV immunotherapy provides clinical protection in the majority of patients.
Initial Experience With A Prototype Storage System At The University Of North Carolina

A prototype archiving system manufactured by the 3M Corporation has been in place at the University of North Carolina for approximately 12 months. The system was installed as a result of a collaboration between 3M and UNC, with 3M seeking testing of their system, and UNC realizing the need for an archiving system as an essential part of their PACS test-bed facilities. System hardware includes appropriate network and disk interface devices as well as media for both short and long term storage of images and their associated information. The system software includes those procedures necessary to communicate with the network interface elements(NIEs) as well as those procedures necessary to interpret the ACR-NEMA header blocks and to store the images. A subset of the total ACR-NEMA header is parsed and stored in a relational database system. The entire header is stored on disk with the completed study. Interactive programs have been developed that allow radiologists to easily retrieve information about the archived images and to send the full images to a viewing console. Initial experience with the system has consisted primarily of hardware and software debugging. Although the system is ACR-NEMA compatable, further objective and subjective assessments of system performance is awaiting the connection of compatable consoles and acquisition devices to the network.
Klauder's continuous representations and fuzzy coordinate variables. II.

Based on Klauder's continuous representations in Hilbert space, we discuss a fundamental fuzziness of the coordinate and momentum variables for a quantum particle. These fuzzy dynamical variables are intimately related to a very small radical length R(\ensuremath{\lesssim}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}18}$ cm) and a very large cosmological length S (\ensuremath{\gtrsim}${10}^{10}$ light years). The uncertainty \ensuremath{\Delta}q for the measurement of a particle's position alone is assumed to be restricted by S\ensuremath{\gtrsim}\ensuremath{\Delta}q\ensuremath{\gtrsim}R. Physical properties of fuzzy base states (p\ensuremath{\Vert} and (q\ensuremath{\Vert} and their general cosmological and very-high-energy implications are discussed. In particular, a new density of states and its possible effects on decay rates and scattering cross sections at large momenta p\ensuremath{\gtrsim}\ensuremath{\Elzxh}/R\ensuremath{\sim}${10}^{4}$ GeV/c (c is the velocity of light) are considered. We also discuss the superposition of waves in the presence of R and S.
New Zealand's international competitiveness challenges and the Woody Allen syndrome

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the (relative) roles of two sources of reduced international competitiveness in New Zealand during the last few years: the appreciation of the trade-weighted real exchange rate, and the (relative) inefficiency of the local service sector. According to the exercises reported in this paper, reducing services' inefficiencies is a more effective way of improving competitiveness, broadly defined, than engineering (or hoping for) a real exchange rate depreciation.
Distribution of acetylcholinesterase activity in normal, dystrophic, and denervated muscles of the chicken

Abstract One distinctive property of denervated and genetically dystrophic muscles of chickens is high acetylcholinesterase activity found in the fibers. The distribution of AChE activity in single fibers from these muscles was studied by using fresh frozen serial sections, a specific histochemical stain, and photodensitometry. The results confirm the findings of a previous report (22) that high AChE activity occurs only around the neuromuscular junction region in fibers from biceps muscles of 6-week-old dystrophic chickens. In contrast, both normal and dystrophic biceps muscle of 6-week old chickens that had been denervated for 5 days exhibited high AChE activity throughout the length of the fibers. These results suggest that changes in AChE activity due to denervation are superimposed on the activity already present in dystrophy. The data support the idea that inherited muscular dystrophy in the chicken involves a specific defect in the regulation of AChE and perhaps other molecules around the neuromuscular junction.
Terahertz Imaging With a Time-Reversed Finite Difference Time-Domain Method

A novel approach to three-dimensional terahertz (THz) imaging based on a time-reversed finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method is presented. Time-reversed convolutional perfectly matching layers (CPML) were implemented as boundaries to truncate the simulation domain. The proposed computationally efficient technique is capable of producing detailed images using a much smaller set of measured data compared to conventional terahertz imaging methods. A coarser grid of transmitter/receiver locations is needed, saving significant data acquisition time. Transmission and reflection imaging configurations in far-field were investigated. Simulations as well as experimental results, including comparisons with conventional methods, are presented. Our approach was validated experimentally using a time-domain terahertz measurement system.
Autogenous artery and vein grafts in common carotid-supraclinoid carotid anastomoses

Microsurgical techniques employing either autogenous saphenous arterial grafts or venous grafts were used for common carotid-supraclinoid carotid anastomoses (CC-SCAs) in dogs. The CC-SCA provides a large volume of blood to a major vessel supplying the brain. Within 10 to 14 days postoperatively, angiography and postmortem examination showed arterial patency in 9 (69%) of 13 dogs and venous patency in 2 (25%) of 8 dogs. The discrepancy in patency between the arterial and venous grafts may be the result of the differences in construction of arteries and veins, technical failure, shear stress, turbulence, and/or boundary layer separation. The application of autogenous arterial grafts (i.e., radial, hypogastric) in humans seems justified.
A processual analysis of customer service training

Proposes that customer service training processes should be studied as a multidimensional issue, recognizing an analytical dimension of tasks, technique, procedure, and system; a behavioral dimension concerned with attitudes, perceptions, and motivation; and an organizational learning dimension concerned with management styles, corporate culture, structure, and information flows. Explores in addition three elements necessary for effective customer service training implementation.
Cell signaling, receptors, electrical effects and therapy in circadian rhythm

Circadian rhythm has been the object of much attention. This review addresses the aspects of cell signaling, receptors, therapy and electrical effects in a multifaceted fashion. The pineal gland, which produces the important hormones melatonin and serotonin, exerts a prominent influence, in addition to the supraschiasmatic nucleus. Many aspects involve free radicals which have played a widespread role in biochemistry.
Brilliant BODIPY-fluorene Copolymers With Dispersed Absorption and Emission Maxima.

Four systems 1a−1d were prepared to investigate the optical properties of copolymers comprised of polyfluorene doped with BODIPY-based fluors. The underlying hypothesis was energy harvested via the strong absorptivity of the major component, fluorene, would be primarily emitted from the BODIPY parts at much higher wavelengths. Optimization of the polymerization process as a function of the mol % of BODIPY indicated that the brightest polymers were formed when approximately 4 fluorene units were copolymerized with every BODIPY precursor. These polymers were cast into nanoparticles of ca. 40 nm diameter. Treatment of clone 9 rat liver cells with suspensions of these particles resulted in uptake without encapsulation in lysosomes, or organelle targeting.
Effect of refractive microlens array fabrication parameters on optical quality

Refractive microlens arrays with lens speed F/1 to F/5 are fabricated by the PROM (photoresist refractive optics by melting) technique. Optimal PROM fabrication parameters are determined from interferometric measurements of the optical quality. Elements in a hexagonal PROM microlens array, composed of 10,000 200 micrometers diameter F/2 lenses on 205 micrometers centers, exhibit less than one-tenth wave deviation from sphere. Four planes of these F/2 microlens arrays, each containing 10,000 lenslets have been assembled into an afocal imaging system.
The induction of the lupus phenotype by estrogen is via an estrogen receptor-α-dependent pathway

In order to investigate the roles of ER subtypes in the estrogen-induced lupus phenotype, ERalpha-deficient (ERalpha(-/-)) and wild-type mice (WT) were injected monthly with estradiol (E-2) starting at 8 weeks. In WT mice, E-2 treatment induced a lupus phenotype, with accelerated death and increased kidney damage, as well as Th2-type serum cytokine and autoantibody production. In contrast, only minimal changes were observed in ERalpha(-/-) mice after E-2 treatment. In a separate study, we found that in immune cells of autoimmune-prone SNF(1) and non-autoimmune DBF(1) mice, both ERalpha and ERbeta were differentially expressed and modulated by E-2. In SNF(1) mice, there were more CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells constitutively expressing ERalpha, and the percentages of ERalpha+ dendritic cells and macrophages were increased after E-2 exposure compared to DBF(1) mice. Taken together, these observations strongly suggest a role for ERalpha in E-2-induced development of the lupus phenotype.
The volunteers: the first human biopsy studies of TCDD from Agent Orange exposure.

first to meet the Surgeons. Knowing that I was a scientist, they had rigged up a mirror so I could watch the operation. I watched with fear and fascination as they made a 15-cm incision in my abdominal area and removed gram after gram of adipose tissue. They complained that I was too lean, but they removed all the fat they could. With my stitches in place, they called for second and third 'subjects'.
Electromechanical Transduction with Charged Polyelectrolyte Membranes

Collagen and other polyelectrolyte materials in a homogeneous, aqueous electrolyte are studied and modeled as a seat of electromechanical transduction. The frequency response of collagen membranes in a range of chemical environments shows how transduction with a deformable membrane coupled hydrodynamically to an external mechanical system can lead to a mechanical response resulting from an electrical stimulus and an electrical response to a mechanical excitation. Dynamic measurements, which can more easily distinguish between membrane and electrode phenomena, result in electromechanical coupling coefficients that show reciprocity and agree with values determined by stationary techniques. A model representing the membrane at the interfibrillar level by a system of cylindrical pores is developed relating externally measured potentials, membrane deformations, currents, and mass fluxes to equivalent pore radius, fibril diameter, and polyelectrolyte charge. Measured values of the membrane coupling coefficients are then used to infer average microstructural parameters of the membrane that compare favorably to available data based on electron microscopy.
Mutations in a Conserved Domain of E. coli MscS to the Most Conserved Superfamily Residue Leads to Kinetic Changes

In Escherichia coli (E. coli) the mechanosensitive channel of small conductance, MscS, gates in response to membrane tension created from acute external hypoosmotic shock, thus rescuing the bacterium from cell lysis. E. coli MscS is the most well studied member of the MscS superfamily of channels, whose members are found throughout the bacterial and plant kingdoms. Homology to the pore lining helix and upper vestibule domain of E. coli MscS is required for inclusion into the superfamily. Although highly conserved, in the second half of the pore lining helix (TM3B), E. coli MscS has five residues significantly different from other members of the superfamily. In superfamilies such as this, it remains unclear why variations within such a homologous region occur: is it tolerance of alternate residues, or does it define functional variance within the superfamily? Point mutations (S114I/T, L118F, A120S, L123F, F127E/K/T) and patch clamp electrophysiology were used to study the effect of changing these residues in E. coli MscS on sensitivity and gating. The data indicate that variation at these locations do not consistently lead to wildtype channel phenotypes, nor do they define large changes in mechanosensation, but often appear to effect changes in the E. coli MscS channel gating kinetics.
Quantitative and qualitative trait loci affecting host-plant response to Exserohilum turcicum in maize (Zea mays L.)

Molecular markers at 103 loci were used to identify the location of quantitative sources of resistance to Exserohilum turcicum in 150 F2∶3 lines of a B52/Mo17 maize population. Host-plant response was measured in terms of the average number of lesions per leaf, the average percent leaf tissue diseased (severity), and the average size of lesions. The location of quantitative trait loci were compared with three loci having known qualitative effects, namely Ht1, Ht2 and bx1. Chromosomal regions containing the Ht1 and Ht2 loci showed a small contribution in determining lesion size, even though alleles with dominant, qualitative effects at these loci have never been reported in either inbred parent. Similar effects were not observed for the number of lesions or for disease severity. Likewise, some contribution was observed for chromosomal regions encompassing the bx1 locus in determining lesion size but not the number of lesions or disease severity. Overall the contribution of loci in the vicinity of Ht1, Ht2 and bx1 was small relative to variation attributable to loci with quantitative effects identified in this study. Molecular-marker-facilitated mapping concurred with previous reciprocal translocation mapping studies on the importance of chromosomes 3, 5 and 7, despite the fact that these studies utilized diverse sources of resistant germplasm.
Glycosynapses: microdomains controlling carbohydrate-dependent cell adhesion and signaling

The concept of microdomains in plasma membranes was developed over two decades, following observation of polarity of membrane based on clustering of specific membrane components. Microdomains involved in carbohydrate-dependent cell adhesion with concurrent signal transduction that affect cellular phenotype are termed "glycosynapse". Three types of glycosynapse have been distinguished: "type 1" having glycosphingolipid associated with signal transducers (small G-proteins, cSrc, Src family kinases) and proteolipids; "type 2" having O-linked mucin-type glycoprotein associated with Src family kinases; and "type 3" having N-linked integrin receptor complexed with tetraspanin and ganglioside. Different cell types are characterized by presence of specific types of glycosynapse or their combinations, whose adhesion induces signal transduction to either facilitate or inhibit signaling. E.g., signaling through type 3 glycosynapse inhibits cell motility and differentiation. Glycosynapses are distinct from classically-known microdomains termed "caveolae", "caveolar membrane", or more recently "lipid raft", which are not involved in carbohydrate-dependent cell adhesion. Type 1 and type 3 glycosynapses are resistant to cholesterol-binding reagents, whereas structure and function of "caveolar membrane" or "lipid raft" are disrupted by these reagents. Various data indicate a functional role of glycosynapses during differentiation, development, and oncogenic transformation.
Rainfall parameters and a cover model to predict runoff and soil loss from grazing trials in the Rhodesian sandveld

Annual runoff from a bare, sandy soil was well correlated to total seasonal precipitation quantities (P). In the case of veld treatments however, runoff was more closely related to higher precipitation levels (P50) on five of the six treatments.Keywords: sandveld|Rhodesia|rainfall|rainfall data|models|runoffs|soil erosion|grazing|sandy soils|bare ground|precipitation|precipitation levels|veld|treatments|storms|predictions
Elementos de la literatura árabe en la estructura del Libro de buen amor (I)

This article examines several aspects of Arab-Islamic culture, about which Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita, and putative author of the Libro de buen amor , betrays evidence of some knowledge. It goes on to suggest that, while the LBA`s literary materials are largely of Western origin, its structure is indebted to a unique combination of certain Oriental literary genres, thereby making it a culturally hybrid work. The article further suggests that the LBA may be read according to three levels of meaning, in accordance with the Averroistic approach to, and conception of, truth, of which the highest, or philosophical level, involves a veiled critique of the doctrine of ecclesiastical celibacy, adopted by the Western Church only a century before the Archpriest composed his work
The operating system: should there be one?

Operating systems and programming languages are often informally evaluated on their conduciveness towards composition. We revisit Dan Ingalls' Smalltalk-inspired position that "an operating system is a collection of things that don't fit inside a language; there shouldn't be one", discussing what it means, why it appears not to have materialised, and how we might work towards the same effect in the postmodern reality of today's systems. We argue that the trajectory of the "file" abstraction through Unix and Plan 9 culminates in a Smalltalk-style object, with other filesystem calls as a primitive metasystem. Meanwhile, the key features of Smalltalk have many analogues in the fragmented world of Unix programming (including techniques at the library, file and socket level). Based on the themes of unifying OS- and language-level mechanisms, and increasing the expressiveness of the meta-system, we identify some evolutionary approaches to a postmodern realisation of Ingalls' vision, arguing that an operating system is still necessary after all.
Phaeochromocytoma. Advances in accuracy of diagnosis and safety of treatment in the past decade: a report of three cases.

SUMMARY Three patients with phaeochromocytoma operated upon at the Kingsbridge Veterans Administration Hospital are reported, as a comparison of methods available in 1949, 1951, and 1962. The first patient was operated upon in 1949 for a single adrenal phaeochromocytoma. The second patient had bilateral lumbocostal incisions, in the prone position, for a right adrenal phaeochromo-cytoma in 1951. The third patient had a bilateral adrenal phaeochromocytoma excised in 1962. During the thirteen-year period, advances and refinements in technique have taken place. These changes have been described and include:– 1 More accurate diagnostic tests, namely: (a) Twenty-four-hour urinary catecholamine determination. (b) Urinary and serum VMA. 2 Better and safer techniques for the localisation of tumours by using carbon dioxide via the presacral route for retroperitoneal pneumography and nephrotomography. 3 Safer anaesthetic management. 4 Successful blood-pressure regulation during and after operation with the use of: (a) Regitine for controlling hypertension. (a) Norepinephrine for controlling hypotension. As a result of our study, supported by the experience at the Presbyterian Hospital, it is our opinion that a transverse, transperitoneal incision be utilised. The prone position should be avoided because of poor exposure of the great vessels and Regitine should not be given in the immediate pre-operative period. We feel that careful regulation of blood-pressure is essential for a favourable prognosis. Anaesthetic agents which cause cardiac complications such as cyclopropane and chloroform are to be avoided.
Mobile technology for games and augmented reality

We will host a discussion and demonstration on how to utilize the Android computing platform and the newly-available Qualcomm Augmented Reality tools to develop engaging experiences for students. Both Jon & Jeff have worked with mobile augmented reality and are currently building video tutorials on these technologies. Mobile computing is pervasive among our students' experiences, and we would do well to reach them where they live to convey important computing concepts. The mobile platform provides an excellent opportunity to discuss resource management (such as power and memory) and topics such as operating systems and architecture that on a desktop or in a textbook are less motivating to students.
The Development and Function of Memory Regulatory T Cells after Acute Viral Infections

Natural CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for the control of immune responses to pathogens. However, most studies have focused on chronic infections, in which pathogen-specific Tregs contribute to pathogen persistence and, in some cases, concomitant immunity. How Tregs behave and function following acute infections remains largely unknown. In this article, we show that pathogen-specific Tregs can be activated and expand upon acute viral infections in vivo. The activated Tregs then contract to form a memory pool after resolution of the infection. These memory Tregs expand rapidly upon a secondary challenge, secrete large amounts of IL-10, and suppress excessive immunopathological conditions elicited by recall expansion of non-Tregs via an IL-10-dependent mechanism. Our work reveals a memory Treg population that develops after acute viral infections and may help in the design of effective strategies to circumvent excessive immunopathological effects.
Pseudourea, 2,2′-(9,10-Anthrylenedimethylene) bis-(2-thio-, dihydrochloride) Dihydrate: Microbiological Assay and Tissue Distribution Studies in Mice

Abstract A microbiological assay for pseudourea, 2,2′-(9,10-anthrylenedimethylene)bis-(2-thio-, dihydrochloride) dihydrate (NSC 56054), a new anticancer agent, has been developed and tissue distribution studies in mice have been performed.
Nonparametric density estimation by a self-consistent neural network

An improvement to the classic adaptive kernel estimator has been made by incorporating first order dynamics in a neural network framework that results in a fully self-consistent probability density function (pdf) estimate. The dynamics give rise to nonlinear interactions between the kernel parameters, resulting in a self-consistent pdf estimate. This is in contrast to the adaptive kernel estimator which is a simple three step procedure. Adaptive kernel estimates have asymptotic convergence rates of O(h/sup 4/) if the errors involved in the pilot estimate can be ignored. This is compared to standard kernel estimators which converge as O(h/sup 2/). By using a fully self-consistent method, this approach is also able to approach the theoretical O(h/sup 4/) convergence rate while providing smoother estimates of the distribution tails than the adaptive kernel estimator. A one-dimensional application to the estimation of a log-normal distribution is included as an example.
Phase-Dependent Modulation of Proximal and Distal Postural Responses to Slips in Young and Older Adults

BACKGROUND: Phase-dependent modulation of postural responses plays an important functional role in integrating reflexes into ongoing locomotion behaviors. This study tested the hypotheses that proximal and distal postural responses are modulated differently according to the phases of the gait cycle in young adults and that there is a decline in this modulatory ability with normal aging. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy young adults (age = 25 +/- 4 years) and 32 healthy older adults (mean age 74 +/- 14 years) participated. Subjects walked across a movable force plate with its movement timed to heel strike or midstance to simulate a forward slip occurring at different times during the gait cycle. Surface electromyography was recorded from bilateral leg, thigh, hip, and trunk muscles. Kinematic data were collected from the right (perturbed) side of the body. RESULTS: Postural responses to the heel strike slips occurred more frequently, and were of shorter latency, longer burst duration, and greater burst magnitude, than those in response to the midstance slips. Whereas the early and predominant postural responses came from bilateral tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, and biceps femoris muscles in heel strike slips, early postural responses were observed in bilateral erector spinae muscles in midstance slips. The late postural responses in midstance slips (from bilateral biceps femoris muscles and medial gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior of the nonperturbed leg) assisted in foot liftoff of the perturbed leg and earlier and safe landing with the nonperturbed leg. In response to the heel strike versus midstance slips, older adults preserved the phase-dependent modulatory abilities of the occurrence, onset latency, and burst duration of their postural responses, but not the ability to modulate burst magnitude, as compared to young adults. CONCLUSION: Postural responses from the proximal and distal muscles in reaction to different temporal phasing of slips during the step cycle showed differential modulation to meet the different task requirements. Older adults preserve this modulatory ability but with limited capacity. Physiological or psychological factors may influence older adults' phase-dependent modulatory capacity. Language: en
Preoperative Combined Nested Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction for Prostate-Specific Antigen and Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Does Not Correlate With Pathologic Stage or Biochemical Failure in Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy

PURPOSE: We report a prospective study examining the ability of preoperative nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSM) to predict pathologic stage and biochemical recurrence in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-one patients were entered onto the study. Preoperative evaluation included clinical T stage, serum PSA, biopsy Gleason score, and serum RT-PCR for PSA/PSM. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier estimates, and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to identify predictors of pathologic stage and biochemical failure. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients (51.8%) were RT-PCR positive for PSA, PSM, or both. In the multivariate logistic regression model, only initial PSA was an independent predictor of pathologic stage as defined by organ-confined disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95%...
Satisfaction with ovarian carcinoma risk-reduction strategies among women at high risk for breast and ovarian carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer have 2 major management options to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer: periodic screening (PS) or risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). Little is known regarding patient satisfaction levels with risk-reduction strategies. Thus, the authors sought to determine levels of patient satisfaction with PS versus RRSO and to identify factors that may influence satisfaction. METHODS: As part of a larger study, women who received testing for the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 were sent a follow-up questionnaire packet to explore issues related to cancer risk reduction. The authors report on the results from a variety of validated instruments, including the Satisfaction With Decision (SWD) scale, focused on the choice between PS and RRSO. RESULTS: In total, 544 surveys were mailed, and 313 responses were received (58%). The overall satisfaction rate among respondents was high. The median SWD score was significantly higher in the RRSO group compared with the PS group (P < .001). BRCA mutation carriers had higher median SWD scores regardless of management type (P = .01). Low satisfaction scores were associated with high levels of uncertainty and the perception that the decision between PS and RRSO was difficult to make (P = .001). Satisfaction was unrelated to demographics, clinical factors, or concerns of cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, the majority of women who were at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer were satisfied with their choice of risk-reduction strategy. Difficulty with decision making was associated with lower satisfaction levels. Improved education and support through the decision-making process may enhance overall levels of satisfaction. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Prospective relationship of low cardiovascular risk factor profile at younger ages to ankle-brachial index: 39-year follow-up--the Chicago Healthy Aging Study.

Background Data are sparse regarding the long-term association of favorable levels of all major cardiovascular disease risk factors (RFs) (ie, low risk [LR]) with ankle-brachial index (ABI). Methods and Results In 2007–2010, the Chicago Healthy Aging Study reexamined a subset of participants aged 65 to 84 years from the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry cohort (baseline examination, 1967–1973). RF groups were defined as LR (untreated blood pressure ≤120/≤80 mm Hg, untreated serum cholesterol <200 mg/dL, body mass index <25 kg/m2, not smoking, no diabetes) or as 0 RFs, 1 RF, or 2+ RFs based on the presence of blood pressure ≥140/≥90 mm Hg or receiving treatment, serum cholesterol ≥240 mg/dL or receiving treatment, body mass index ≥30 kg/m2, smoking, or diabetes. ABI at follow-up was categorized as indicating PAD present (≤0.90), as borderline PAD (0.91 to 0.99), or as normal (1.00 to 1.40). We included 1346 participants with ABI ≤1.40. After multivariable adjustment, the presence of fewer baseline RFs was associated with a lower likelihood of PAD at 39-year follow-up ( P for trend is <0.001). Odds ratios (95% CIs) for PAD in persons with LR, 0 RFs, or 1 RF compared with those with 2+ RFs were 0.14 (0.05 to 0.44), 0.28 (0.13 to 0.59), and 0.33 (0.16 to 0.65), respectively; findings were similar for borderline PAD ( P for trend is 0.005). The association was mainly due to baseline smoking status, cholesterol, and diabetes. Remaining free of adverse RFs or improving RF status over time was also associated with PAD. Conclusions LR profile in younger adulthood (ages 25 to 45) is associated with the lowest prevalence of PAD and borderline PAD 39 years later.
LcrG-LcrV Interaction Is Required for Control of Yops Secretion in Yersinia pestis

Yersinia pestis expresses a set of plasmid-encoded virulence proteins called Yops and LcrV that are secreted and translocated into eukaryotic cells by a type III secretion system. LcrV is a multifunctional protein with antihost and positive regulatory effects on Yops secretion that forms a stable complex with a negative regulatory protein, LcrG. LcrG has been proposed to block the secretion apparatus (Ysc) from the cytoplasmic face of the inner membrane under nonpermissive conditions for Yops secretion, when levels of LcrV in the cell are low. A model has been proposed to describe secretion control based on the relative levels of LcrG and LcrV in the bacterial cytoplasm. This model proposes that under secretion-permissive conditions, levels of LcrV are increased relative to levels of LcrG, so that the excess LcrV titrates LcrG away from the Ysc, allowing secretion of Yops to occur. To further test this model, a mutant LcrG protein that could no longer interact with LcrV was created. Expression of this LcrG variant blocked secretion of Yops and LcrV under secretion permissive conditions in vitro and in a tissue culture model. These results agree with the previously described secretion-blocking activity of LcrG and demonstrate that the interaction of LcrV with LcrG is necessary for controlling Yops secretion.
A REVIEW OF THE BIOACTIVITY AND POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT TEA (MENTHA PIPERITA L.)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is one of the most widely consumed single ingredient herbal teas, or tisanes. Peppermint tea, brewed from the plant leaves, and the essential oil of peppermint are used in traditional medicines. Evidence-based research regarding the bioactivity of this herb is reviewed. The phenolic constituents of the leaves include rosmarinic acid and several flavonoids, primarily eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin. The main volatile components of the essential oil are menthol and menthone. In vitro, peppermint has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential. Animal model studies demonstrate a relaxation effect on gastrointestinal (GI) tissue, analgesic and anesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous system, immunomodulating actions and chemopreventive potential. Human studies on the GI, respiratory tract and analgesic effects of peppermint oil and its constituents have been reported. Several clinical trials examining the effects of peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms have been conducted. However, human studies of peppermint leaf are limited and clinical trials of peppermint tea are absent. Adverse reactions to peppermint tea have not been reported, although caution has been urged for peppermint oil therapy in patients with GI reflux, hiatal hernia or kidney stones.
Non-exchangeability of 28Mg with chlorophyll a

Results of studies on Chlorella, grown in a mg-reduced medium supplemented with carrier-free Mg/sup 28/, showed that Mg/sup 28/ does not exchange in aqueous acetone with the Mg of chlorophyll a. A practical consequence of this absence of exchange is that the absolute kinetics of chlorophyll biogenesis or turnover may be studied without the concern of exchange with preformed chlorophyll. (C.H.)
Mycobacterium-Infected Dendritic Cells Disseminate Granulomatous Inflammation

The disappearance and reformation of granulomas during tuberculosis has been described using PET/CT/X-ray in both human clinical settings and animal models, but the mechanisms of granuloma reformation during active disease remains unclear. Granulomas can recruit inflammatory dendritic cells (iDCs) that can regulate local T-cell responses and can carry bacteria into the lymph nodes, which is crucial for generating systemic T-cell responses against mycobacteria. Here, we report that a subset of mycobacterium-infected iDCs are associated with bacteria-specific T-cells in infected tissue, outside the granuloma, and that this results in the formation of new and/or larger multi-focal lesions. Mycobacterium-infected iDCs express less CCR7 and migrate less efficiently compared to the non-infected iDCs, which may support T-cell capture in granulomatous tissue. Capture may reduce antigen availability in the lymph node, thereby decreasing systemic priming, resulting in a possible regulatory loop between systemic T-cell responses and granuloma reformation. T-cell/infected iDCs clusters outside the granuloma can be detected during the acute and chronic phase of BCG and Mtb infection. Our studies suggest a direct role for inflammatory dendritic cells in the dissemination of granulomatous inflammation.
Applications and Generalizations of Two Interlacing Theorems

Let A be a set of 2-connected graphs of order n such that the degree sum of any triple of independent vertices is at least n + 2 and let B be a set of 1-tough graphs of order n such that the degree sum of any triple of independent vertices is at least n. Applying Lotker's interlacing theorem on the Laplacian eigenvalues of graphs in [4], Wang and Belardo's interlacing theorem on the signless Laplacian eigenvalues of graphs in [6], and some theorems proved by Bauer et al. in [1] on the graphs in A or B, we obtain lower bounds which involve the Laplacian eigenvalues and signless Laplacian eigenvalues for the circumferences of graphs in A or B. We also give generalizations of the two interlacing theorems.
Reviews in Research on Adolescence: Genres, Trends, and Challenges

The past few decades have witnessed rapid growth in research centered on the period of adolescence. Several markers of that growth are now obvious, such as multidisciplinary journals dedicated to that developmental period. But, it remains to be determined, like other fields of research that often contribute to the understanding of adolescence (genetics, cognitive science, medicine), whether multi-disciplinary developmental research on adolescence systematically evaluates the integrity of its findings. This study explores the extent to which the leading “adolescent” journals evaluate the state of knowledge that they disseminate, the importance of such evaluations, and challenges to the discipline’s scientific integrity. The review reveals that developmental journals devoted to the adolescent period pervasively do not publish articles that focus on reviews of research; it also finds that the most dominant forms of reviews are those deemed less rigorous. The discussion focuses on these findings’ implications and underscores the legitimacy and importance of doing what more established disciplines recognize as important and do more routinely.
First-principles investigations of transition-metal doped bilayer WS2

By performing first-principles calculations, we have studied the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of transition-metal (TM) (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) doped bilayer WS2 in both the AA and AB configurations. We have examined three probable interlayer doping positions, and found that the doped TM atoms prefer to stay below the S atoms. The TM atoms are covalently bound to the upper layer and lower layer S atoms with binding energies ranging from −0.74 to −1.72 eV for the AA configuration and from −0.69 to −1.80 eV for the AB configuration. Our calculations indicate that all the studied configurations are still semiconductors although the corresponding band gaps reduce a lot, except for the Fe-doped AA configuration which changes to a semi-metal with one spin state cross over at the Fermi level. Additional, our calculations indicate that Mn, Fe and Co-doping induces magnetism in both the AA and AB configurations. More importantly, a high spin polarization of 100% at the Fermi level is achieved in the Co-doped AA configuration and the Mn and Fe-doped AB configurations, which implies the potential for application in spintronic devices.
Converging Conflicting Research Findings: The Oregon Bottle Bill Case:

The authors describe a method for reaching a consensus with conflicting research findings and illustrate its use in the case of a current public policy issue.
Beyond Behavioral Objectives

(1975). Beyond Behavioral Objectives. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 82, No. 8, pp. 849-851.
Ips confusus (Lec.) Adults Infected with Nematodes

In recent studies on the toxicity of organic insecticides to the California five-spined engraver beetle, Ips confusus (Lec.), many of the adults used as test subjects were found to be infected with two different species of nematodes. Specimens of these were identified by Dr. M. W. Allen, Department of Nematology, University of California, as Aphelenchulus sp. ( near reversus ) and Aphelenchoides sp.
Precocious sensitization of the uterus in pseudopregnant rats.

SummaryPrecocious sensitization of the uterus to respond to trauma with deciduoma formation was obtained in pseudopregnant rats by prior daily treatment with progesterone combined with estrogen injection and traumatization on Day 3. The sensitivity of the uterus was reduced on Day 5. Estrogen treatment prior to traumatization prevented the precocious sensitization.
Prognosis of Benign Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy

Neuropsychological, cognitive, and behavioral outcome was studied in a long-term follow-up of 7 patients with benign myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (BMEI) at Universita di Palermo, Italy.
Epithelial mesenchymal transition phenotype correlates with lung cancer histology and EGFR abnormalities in non-small cell lung carcinoma

5039 Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process in which cells undergo a developmental switch from epithelial to a motile mesenchymal phenotype. EMT occurs as key steps during embryonic morphogenesis, and is now implicated in the progression and metastasis of epithelial tumors. In lung cancer, the expression of individual EMT markers has been studied and correlated with prognosis. Additionally, data support a potential role of EMT as determinant of EGFR activity and predictor of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor sensitivity. To better define the EMT phenotype characteristics of lung cancer and to identify potential correlations with patients’ clinicopathologic features, we studied the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of 8 proteins, E-Cadherin, N-Cadherin, β-Catenin, Snail, MMP-P, NF-κB, Integrin-β6 and Vimentin, related to the EMT phenotype. Using formalin-fixed specimens placed in tissue microarrays 372 non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC; 209 adenocarcinomas, 119 squamous cell carcinomas, 44 sarcomatoid carcinomas) and 38 small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC) were analyzed. To correlate the expression of EMT markers with EGFR abnormalities, the IHC expression of EGFR and p-EGFR was examined in all tumors. EGFR mutational status was studied in a subset of 81 adenocarcinomas. Different patterns of EMT markers expression were identified in different lung cancer histologies, with sarcomatoid carcinomas showing the lowest expression (p
Deviations from Expected Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer in Octogenarians: Analysis of Patient and Surgeon Factors.

Morbidity and mortality of pancreatectomy has improved and chemotherapeutic options for pancreatic cancer (PC) are growing, yet there is reluctance to treat octogenarians. This study examined the reasons for failure to treat and analyzes outcomes in octogenarians with PC. Retrospective chart review 2005–2013. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment, reason for lack of treatment, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and survival were analyzed. Expected treatment for early-stage patients (I/II) included surgery ± chemotherapy ± radiation. Expected treatment for advanced stage patients (III/IV) was chemotherapy. A total of 431 octogenarians were analyzed. Mean age was 84.0 ± 3.4, 59.6 % female, and 44.1 % received no treatment. Patients with operable tumors (I = 31 [7.2 %]/II = 214 [49.7 %]) had surgery 39.2 % of the time. Age was a predictor of not receiving surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.78; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.70–0.86; p = 0.0001), whereas CCI was not. The most common reason for no surgery was contraindication despite similar CCI. Median overall survival for early-stage patients was better in the surgical group (15.8 vs. 5.5 months) than nonsurgical group (p < 0.0001). Advanced patients (III = 54 [12.5 %]/IV = 132 [30.6 %]) had similarly low treatment rates (n = 65 [34.9 %]). Survival for advanced disease was best for treated patients (6.9 vs. 1.8 months; p < 0.0001). CCI did not differ between those receiving chemotherapy and not, although age was significantly different (p < 0.0001). There is significant deviation from expected treatment for octogenarians with PC. While no correlation existed between CCI and treatment, age correlated with therapy for nearly all stages. Chronological age, not comorbidity, may drive recommendation for treatment in elderly patients.
Trustworthy Policies for Distributed Repositories

A trustworthy repository provides assurance in the form of management documents, event logs, and audit trails that digital objects are being managed correctly. The assurance includes plans for the sustainability of the repository, the accession of digital records, the management of technology evolution, and the mitigation of the risk of data loss. A detailed assessment is provided by the ISO-16363:2012 standard, "Space data and information transfer systems—Audit and certification of trustworthy digital repositories." This book examines whether the ISO specification for trustworthiness can be enforced by computer actionable policies. An implementation of the policies is provided and the policies are sorted into categories for procedures to manage externally generated documents, specify repository parameters, specify preservation metadata attributes, specify audit mechanisms for all preservation actions, specify control of preservation operations, and control preservation properties as technology evolves. An application of the resulting procedures is made to enforce trustworthiness within National Science Foundation data management plans.
Clinical–radiological–pathological spectrum of central nervous system–idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease in the elderly:

Background:The spectrum of central nervous system–idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating disease (CNS-IIDD) in the elderly is uncertain.Objective:To describe the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of a cohort of 30 pathologically proven CNS-IIDD patients ⩾65 years.Methods:Elderly multiple sclerosis (MS)/clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients were compared to a cohort of 125 patients with pathologically proven MS/CIS and symptom onset <65 years.Results:Median age at symptom onset was 69 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 68–75). Median follow-up was 1.9 years (IQR = 1.0–5.6). Diagnoses were MS (14/30), CIS (11/30), neuromyelitis optica (NMO; 4/30), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM; 1/30). Disability was higher in patients with MS/CIS ⩾65 compared to patients <65 (median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 4 (IQR = 2.5–7) vs 2.5 (IQR = 1.5–4); p = 0.002). When compared to patients <65 years, there was no difference in the lesion size, number of patients fulfilling Barkho...
Rationale and Design of a Phase 1 Clinical Trial to Evaluate HSV G207 Alone or with a Single Radiation Dose in Children with Progressive or Recurrent Malignant Supratentorial Brain Tumors.

Primary central nervous system tumors are the most common solid neoplasm of childhood and the leading cause of cancer-related death in pediatric patients. Survival rates for children with malignant supratentorial brain tumors are poor despite aggressive treatment with combinations of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and survivors often suffer from damaging lifelong sequelae from current therapies. Novel innovative treatments are greatly needed. One promising new approach is the use of a genetically engineered, conditionally replicating herpes simplex virus (HSV) that has shown tumor-specific tropism and potential efficacy in the treatment of malignant brain tumors. G207 is a genetically engineered HSV-1 lacking genes essential for replication in normal brain cells. Safety has been established in preclinical investigations involving intracranial inoculation in the highly HSV-sensitive owl monkey (Aotus nancymai), and in three adult phase 1 trials in recurrent/progressive high-grade gliomas. No dose-li...