cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of clonality of atypical cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates associated with drug therapy by PCR/DGGE

Abstract Atypical lymphocytic infiltrates that mimic cutaneous lymphoma (ie, pseudolymphoma) are often observed in skin biopsy specimens from patients with altered immune function. The latter may reflect systemic immune dysregulatory states such as collagen vascular disease or human immunodeficiency virus infection. Among the iatrogenic causes are drug therapy with agents that abrogate lymphocyte function. These drugs encompass the anticonvulsants, antidepressants, phenothiazines, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The appellation of lymphomatoid hypersensitivity reaction has been applied to cases of drug-associated pseudolymphoma. Pathologically and clinically, the distinction of such cases from cutaneous lymphoma is difficult. We employed the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on archival material of proven drug-associated lymphomatoid hypersensitivity reactions both to explore its utility as an adjunct in diagnosis and to investigate the genotypic aberrations induced by drug therapy. Formalun-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens from seven cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), one noda T-cell lymphoma, two cutaneous B-cell lymphomas, three typical hypersensitivity reactions, one tonsil, and 14 lymphomatoid hypersensitivity reactions were studied. Control cases for which DNA derived from fresh tissue was used include the Jurkat T-cell tumor line, placenta, one noda B-cell lymphoma, and one case of reactive lymph node hyperplasia. DNA was obtained and purified by standard methods, then amplified with oligonucleotide primers specific for the T-cell receptor gamma locus and the immunoglobulin heavy chain genes. T-cell amplicons were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and B-cell amplicons by either nondenaturing polyacrylamide or agarose gel electrophoresis. The nodal and Jurkat T-cell lymphomas, six of seven CTCL, one cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, and 2 of 14 lymphomatoid hypersensitivity reactions showed dominant (“monoclonal”) T-cell gene rearrangement patterns, and the remainder of cases were polyclonal. A causal relationship between drug therapy and skin eruption was ascertained in the two patients showing T-cell rearrangements, and both experienced complete and sustained lesional resolution on discontinuation of the implicated drug. The only immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements detected by PCR were in two of the three B-cell lymphomas. We conclude that PCR/DGGE is a powerful method for assaying T-cell clonality in archival tissue and can aid in the discrimination of reactive from malignant cutaneous infiltrates with appropriate clinicopathologic correlation. Recognition that a monoclonal TCRγ rearrangement can be observed in cases of drug-associated lymphomatoid hypersensitivity may help in avoiding a misdiagnosis of malignant lymphoma.
Using ecologic momentary assessment to measure physical activity during adolescence.

Objective Examine the validity of using high-density electronic ecologic momentary assessment (EMA) to assess physical activity. EMA was further used to explore within- and between-subject variability in adolescent physical activity (PA) patterns. Methods Adolescents ( n =526, 51% male) participated in EMA waves occurring approximately every 6 months between the 9th and 12th grade. Each wave extended over 4 consecutive days (Thursday to Sunday). Using a Palm III handheld computer, each participant reported his or her primary activity (e.g., exercise, walking, homework) every 30 (±10) minutes during waking hours. Heart rate (via Polar heart rate monitor) and activity counts (via wrist accelerometer) were simultaneously assessed during the EMA intervals. Results Overall, heart rates and accelerometer counts were greater for diary-reported exercise and walking than for nonphysical activities ( p 's p p 's p 's Conclusions Physical activity reported via EMA corresponded to objective activity indicators. EMA yielded information about within-person variability in PA that cannot be obtained readily from traditional self-report instruments. Given its potential for simultaneously assessing important physiologic, psychological, and contextual factors, EMA presents a promising approach to studying adolescent physical activity.
Aortic root enlargement: what are the operative risks?

Objective Despite concern that small aortic valve prostheses can lead to prosthesis–patient mismatch with diminished left ventricular mass regression and poor long-term outcome after aortic valve replacement, there remains reluctance to perform aortic root enlargement procedures. We therefore examined the operative risks of aortic valve replacement with and without root enlargement. Methods We reviewed perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing aortic valve replacement at our institution between January 1993 and December 2001. Risk factors for operative death were evaluated by means of multivariable analysis. Results Of 2366 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with (1173) or without (1193) concomitant procedures, 249 (10.5%) underwent posterior root enlargement. Patients undergoing complex root enlargement (Konno–Rastan procedures) were excluded. Patients undergoing aortic root enlargement were significantly younger, twice as often female, and more often undergoing a reoperation but were similar with respect to functional class. The mean valve implant size was less in the aortic root enlargement group (21.5 ± 1.6 vs 23.2 ± 2.3 mm, P P = .0324); however, by means of multivariable analysis, advanced functional class ( P = .0020; odds ratio, 1.87), preoperative congestive heart failure ( P P = .012; odds ratio, 1.16), but not aortic root enlargement, were independent risk factors for operative death. Conclusions Aortic root enlargement itself does not increase operative risk, although it is most often required among high-risk patients. Surgeons should not be reluctant to enlarge the aortic root to permit implantation of adequately sized valve prostheses.
Mechanisms of the early steps in bacterial photosynthesis and their implications for experiment

The current situation on experiment and theory as regards the early electron transfer steps in bacterial photosynthesis is discussed. Recent experiments have limited the mechanistic possibilities, while an internal consistency test has limited the values of some parameters in the superexchange mechanism. The partitioning method has provided a useful and unified way of treating superexchange and other properties in these systems. The alternative reaction mechanisms have a number of consequences, and various experimental tests are considered or suggested.
Coarse-coded higher-order neural networks for PSRI object recognition

The authors describe a coarse coding technique and present simulation results illustrating its usefulness and its limitations. Simulations show that a third-order neural network can be trained to distinguish between two objects in a 4096*4096 pixel input field independent of transformations in translation, in-plane rotation, and scale in less than ten passes through the training set. Furthermore, the authors empirically determine the limits of the coarse coding technique in the position, scale, and rotation invariant (PSRI) object recognition domain. >
Reasonable risks in clinical research: a critique and a proposal for the Integrative Approach

Before participants can be enrolled in a clinical trial, an institutional review board (IRB) must determine that the risks that the research poses to participants are 'reasonable.' This paper examines the two dominant frameworks for assessing research risks and argues that each approach suffers from significant shortcomings. It then considers what issues must be addressed in order to construct a framework for risk assessment that (a) is grounded in a compelling normative foundation and (b) might provide more operationally precise guidance to the deliberations of various stakeholders. The paper concludes by sketching the outlines of what is referred to as the 'Integrative Approach' to risk assessment and by highlighting some of the ways in which this approach may be more promising than current alternatives.
Analysis of allogeneic and syngeneic bone marrow stromal cell graft survival in the spinal cord.

Bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) are attractive candidates for developing cell therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. They can be easily obtained, expanded in culture, and promote mod...
Scandium, Chromium(VI), Gallium, Yttrium, Rhodium, Palladium, Indium in Mice: Effects on Growth and Life Span

In order to evaluate possible innate toxic effe'cts of small doses of scandium, hexavalent chromium, gallium, yttrium, indium, rhodium and palladium in terms of growth and survival, 958 mice divided as to sex were raised in an environment limited in metallic contamination and given 5 ppm metal in drinking water from weaning until natural death. Body weight was measured at monthly intervals up to 6 months, at 1 year and at 18 months of age. The feeding of gallium was accompanied by significant but not marked sup pression of weight at 14 of 16 intervals in both sexes; the feeding of scandium was associated with growth suppression at 10, of indium at 8, of palladium at 7 and of rhodium at 6 of 16 intervals compared to mean weights of controls. The feeding of yttrium and hexavalent chromium were associated with significant lessening of growth at 12 and 8 of 16 intervals, respectively. Survival of gallium- fed females at older ages was less than that of controls, whereas survival of pal ladium-fed males and yttrium-fed mice of both sexes were greater. Tumors were found at necropsy in 16.3% of one group of controls, 27.4% of the scandium, 26.0% of the gallium, 13.0% of the indium, 28.8% of the rhodium and 29.2% of the palladium groups. Malignant tumors were increased in rhodium and pal ladium groups, at a minimally significant level of confidence (P < 0.05), all but one tumor being malignant. In a second series, tumors were present in 26.8% of controls, 27.6% of the mice fed chromium (VI) and 33% of the mice fed yttrium. All rumors in these latter two groups were malignant. Rhodium and palladium appear to exhibit slight carcinogenic activity in mice. J. Nutr. 101: 1431-1438, 1971. Continuing studies of the innate effects reported. We have also reported effects of of low doses of various abnormal trace elements in the second transitional series elements in drinking water on mice and and related groups: zirconium, niobium, rats exposed for life are being conducted cadmium, tin, antimony (1-3); molyb- in an environment built so as to exclude denum and tellurium (IV and VI) are corn- metallic contaminants. We have reported pleted. To complete the second series, ex- alterations in growth, survival and life eluding technetium, ruthenium and silver, span, or lack of them, associated with the we hereby report on yttrium, rhodium, feeding of titanium, vanadium, chro- palladium and indium. Innate long term mium(in), nickel, germanium and arsenic effects of fluorine and lead have also been to mice ( 1, 2 ), and the study of the effects studied ( 1, 3 ). In this way the subtoxic of selenium(IV and VI) is completed, effects of elements with atomic numbers Other trace elements of the first transi- 21 to 34, and 39 to 52 with three excep tional series of the Periodic Table, man- Received for publication june 8, 1971. gaA±ese, iron, Cobalt, Copper, Zinc are es- i Supported by the Public Health Service Research sential for mammals. In order to complete Â£rant,HE,,05376 A­romth? Nati^S^ S?art Institute,-
Characteristics of coplanar waveguide on sapphire for high temperature applications (25 to 400° C)

This paper presents the characteristics of coplanar waveguide transmission lines fabricated on R-plane sapphire substrates as a function of temperature across the temperature range of 25 to 400degC. Effective permittivity and attenuation are measured on a high temperature probe station. Two techniques are used to obtain the transmission line characteristics, a Thru-Reflect-Line calibration technique that yields the propagation coefficient and resonant stubs. To a first order fit of the data, the effective permittivity and the attenuation increase linearly with temperature.
Capacitively Coupled Traveling-Wave Power Amplifier

A new circuit concept which significantly improves the power-handling capability of a traveling-wave amplifier by coupling the active devices to the input gate line through discrete series capacitors is described. The approach is applied to a 1-W, 2-8-GHz monolithic amplifier design.
Predictive residual vector quantization [image coding]

This paper presents a new vector quantization technique called predictive residual vector quantization (PRVQ). It combines the concepts of predictive vector quantization (PVQ) and residual vector quantization (RVQ) to implement a high performance VQ scheme with low search complexity. The proposed PRVQ consists of a vector predictor, designed by a multilayer perceptron, and an RVQ that is designed by a multilayer competitive neural network. A major task in our proposed PRVQ design is the joint optimization of the vector predictor and the RVQ codebooks. In order to achieve this, a new design based on the neural network learning algorithm is introduced. This technique is basically a nonlinear constrained optimization where each constituent component of the PRVQ scheme is optimized by minimizing an appropriate stage error function with a constraint on the overall error. This technique makes use of a Lagrangian formulation and iteratively solves a Lagrangian error function to obtain a locally optimal solution. This approach is then compared to a jointly designed and a closed-loop design approach. In the jointly designed approach, the predictor and quantizers are jointly optimized by minimizing only the overall error. In the closed-loop design, however, a predictor is first implemented; then the stage quantizers are optimized for this predictor in a stage-by-stage fashion. Simulation results show that the proposed PRVQ scheme outperforms the equivalent RVQ (operating at the same bit rate) and the unconstrained VQ by 2 and 1.7 dB, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed PRVQ outperforms the PVQ in the rate-distortion sense with significantly lower codebook search complexity. >
CONSTRAINTS ON POSSIBLE SINGULARITIES FOR THE UNSTEADY TRANSONIC SMALL DISTURBANCE (UTSD) EQUATIONS

We discuss the singular behavior of solutions to two-dimensional, general secondorder, uniformly elliptic equations in divergence form, with bounded measurable coefficients and discontinuous Dirichlet data along a portion of a Lipschitz boundary. We show that the conjugate to the solution develops a singularity that is at least logarithmic along the boundary at the points of discontinuity in the boundary data. A problem like this arises in the study of self-similar solutions to the hyperbolic conservation laws in two space dimensions given by the unsteady transonic small disturbance (UTSD) flow equations. These solutions model the reflection of a weak shock wave upon a thin wedge in the regime where the von Neumann paradox applies. The present result provides a step in the direction of understanding the nature of the solutions to the UTSD equations near a triple point. It shows that the flow behind the triple point cannot be strictly subsonic under some mild assumptions on the solutions. c 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Age-Related Alterations of Active Pumping Mechanisms in Rat Thoracic Duct

Objective: To evaluate the age-related changes in active pumping in thoracic duct (TD) from 24-month-old Fisher-344 rats comparing with TD pumping in 9-month rats.Methods: Lymphatic diameters, contraction amplitude and frequency, ejection fraction, and fractional pump flow were determined in isolated TD preparations. Western blot analyses were performed to evaluate relative levels of eNOS and iNOS in 9- and 24-month-old TD.Results: Stretch-dependent regulation was altered in aged TD especially at higher levels of pressure: the negative inotropy, negative chronotropy and diminished minute pumping (2- to 3-fold decrease) were observed. Physiological NO/imposed-flow-dependent inhibition was completely abolished in aged TD, yet NO-synthase blockade by l-NAME (10− 4 M) increased pumping in a flow-independent manner. Western blot analyses indicated that the relative levels of eNOS were decreased ∼ 7-fold in the 24-month-old TD when compared with 9-month-old TD; whereas iNOS levels were increased ∼ 10-fold in 24...
Institutionalization of mechatronics engineering curricular material

With the explosively increasing cost/size-effectiveness of computers, mechatronic systems are becoming common in any engineering discipline dealing with the modulation of physical power. In this sense, mechatronic systems are physical systems for which the computing component is critical to effective operation. It is no longer adequate for engineering curricula to expose only a select group of students to mechatronic methodology. We describe the efforts within the NSF Synthesis Coalition to infuse mechatronics material into all four years of students' engineering studies. The working philosophy of this effort is that the mechatronics material will be integrated into existing disciplinary courses and programs. No new degrees and no new courses are anticipated, with the exception of courses designed for students interested in mechatronics as a professional specialty. Descriptions of the particular curricular projects that Synthesis is now working on are included.
Diet and mental health in the Arctic: is diet an important risk factor for mental health in circumpolar peoples?--a review.

Background. The people living in Arctic and Subarctic environments have adapted to cold temperatures, short growing seasons, and low precipitation, but their traditional ways are now changing due to increased contact with Western society. The rapid alteration of circumpolar cultures has led to generational changes in diet from traditional foods to the processed groceries common in modern stores. Objectives. Develop a link between changing traditional diets and mental health that may have substantial consequences for circumpolar peoples. Methods. Review of English language literature pertaining to the northern circumpolar environments of the world that consist of the Arctic and Subarctic areas. Electronic resources such as ISI Web of Science and PubMed were utilized, using keywords such as arctic, circumpolar, diet, omega-3 fatty acids, mental health, seasonal affective disorder, and suicide. In addition, we used the cited references of obtained articles and the extensive University of Alaska Fairbanks library collections to identify additional publications that were not available from the electronic resources. The years covered were not restricted to any particular period, although 83% of the sources were published in the last 16 years. Conclusion. The change in traditional diets has already led to increased health problems, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, while the mental health of circumpolar peoples has also declined substantially during the same time period. The decline in mental health is characterized by increased rates of depression, seasonal affective disorder, anxiety, and suicide, that now often occur at higher rates than in lower-latitude populations. Studies in non-circumpolar peoples have shown that diet can have profound effects on neuronal and brain development, function, and health. Therefore, we hypothesize that diet is an important risk factor for mental health in circumpolar peoples. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2003; 62(3):228-241) Keywords: circumpolar peoples, depression, diet, mental health, suicide
Vibration of Conical Shells Subjected to Torsion

An analytical and experimental study was performed to predict the dynamic behavior of a conical frustum loaded in torsion. The analysis was based upon linear Donnell-type shell equations. The longitudinal and circumferential inertia terms were neglected. The Galerkin method was used to obtain an infinite frequency determinant for the resulting equilibrium equations. The determinant was truncated and solved on a digital computer for the resonant frequencies and modal shapes. Experimental vibrational frequencies and modal shapes were obtained for an isotropic conical frustum loaded by a static torsional moment. The experimental data were in fair agreement with the analysis.
Abelian quotients and orbit sizes of solvable linear groups

Let G be a finite group, and let V be a completely reducible faithful Gmodule. It has been known for a long time that if G is abelian, then G has a regular orbit on V. In this paper we generalize this result as follows. Assuming G to be solvable, we show that G has an orbit of size at least |G/G′| on V. This also strengthens a result of Aschbacher and Guralnick in that situation. Additionally, we prove a similar generalization of the well-known result that if G is nilpotent, then G has an orbit of size at least \(\sqrt {\left| G \right|} \) on V.
Integrating Participatory Ergonomics into an Organizational Culture: A Macroergoncmic Approach:

This paper examines the role of technology in creating new customer demands, the need for organizational flexibility, and the importance of worker participation. Moreover, the increased competition, and consequently, the increased complexity of these new technologies will create even greater needs for macroergonomic concepts in designing future systems. Finally, it is argued that participatory ergonomics and the introduction of new technologies need to be incorporated into a coherent organizational culture.
The Mechanical Behavior of a Micromachined PZT Membrane

The mechanical behavior of a micromachined PZT membrane for power applications is investigated. The membrane is a bulk-micromachined silicon membrane that supports a thin film of piezoelectric ceramic (PZT) sandwiched between platinum and gold electrodes. The membrane undergoes large periodic deflections to convert mechanical power to electrical power in a micro heat engine. An analysis using a variational approach is developed to find an approximate closed from solution based on energy minimization. Experiments were conducted to obtain material properties, residual stresses, and pressure deflection relationships. The modeled results compare well to the experimental results.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Specificity in protection against lethality and testicular toxicity from cadmium.

SummaryCadmium, administered subcutaneously to adult CD-1 mice, causes acute destruction of the testis in doses (0.012 mmole/kg) which cause no apparent damage to other organs. This effect can be prevented by administration of sufficient selenium (0.024 mmole/kg), zinc (0.15 mmole/kg), cobalt (0.108 mmole/kg), BAL (0.75 mmole/kg), or cysteine (6 mmole/kg). Selenium (0.072 mmole/kg) also blocks the lethal effects of much larger doses of cadmium (0.076-0.133 mmole/kg but does not protect against mortality from mercury (0.09 mmole/kg), zinc (6 mmole/kg) or cobalt 1.5 mmole/kg). Not all agents which block cadmium-induced injury to the testis are effective in preventing mortality from cadmium. Whereas zinc and BAL (in the protective doses cited above) are good antagonists against lethal doses of cadmium, cobalt is not and cysteine markedly enhances the toxicity of cadmium. Considering the ratio of protective agent to cadmium which is needed, selenium, zinc, and BAL are relatively more efficient in protecting a...
Beneficial but constrained: role of urban agriculture programs in supporting healthy eating among youth.

AbstractA number of efforts to alleviate low rates of fruit and vegetable consumption among youth in the United States have emerged in recent years. This study examines how engagement in urban agriculture (UA) programming influences fruit and vegetable consumption among urban youth in Buffalo, New York. Results indicate change in some food behaviors—youth are willing to try new foods—but not others. Results suggest that fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with gender and the median household income of neighborhoods where youth live. The study demonstrates that UA programming is beneficial but not sufficient in engendering healthy eating behavior in youth.
Direct reduction of high-iron bauxite for recovery of nuggets and Al_2O_3

Effects of the direct reduction process on the nuggets size and recovery percent were investigated by coalbased direct reduction and leaching process,and the effects of(w(Ca O)/w(Al2O3)) on the slag composition and leaching rate of alumina were investigated by the same way. The results show that when the(w(Ca O)/w(Al2O3)) is 1.7,w(C)/w(O)is 1.4,reduction temperature is 1 450 ℃,and the reduction time is 20 min,the nuggets size is biggest and the nuggets recovery percent is highest,the nuggets size and recovery percent are 11.5 mm and 93%,respectively. When the(w(Ca O)/w(Al2O3)) is 1.0,the furnace slag is mainly composed of gehlenite(Ca2Al(Al,Si)2O7),when the(w(Ca O)/w(Al2O3)) is 1.5,the furnace slag is mainly composed of gehlenite(Ca2Al(Al,Si)2O7),dicalcium silicate(Ca2Si O4) and mayenite(Ca12Al14O33),when the w(Ca O)/w(Al2O3) is 1.7-1.9,the furnace slag is mainly composed of dicalcium silicate(Ca2Si O4) and mayenite(Ca12Al14O33). When the(w(Ca O)/w(Al2O3)) is 1.7 and leaching time is 2.0 h,the leaching rate of alumina is highest which is 87.5%,the leaching rate is increased by 9.4% than that of 0.5 h leaching time. Therefore,when the furnace slag is mainly composed of dicalcium silicate(Ca2Si O4) and mayenite(Ca12Al14O33),it is more conducive toleaching of alumina.
Web Data Extraction Techniques and Applications Using the Extensible Markup Language (XML)

The driving force behind the technology revolution has always been just one thing: information. Almost every invention related to the computer since the transistor has been made to aid in the transferring of a piece of information, or data, from one place to another. Despite the existence of a primitive form of what we now know of as the Internet, less than one generation ago digital information mostly needed to be carried around on magnetic devices such as tapes and disks. Fortunately, the prominent rise of the Internet and the World Wide Web in the mid-1990s removed the barrier that physical transportation of data placed on us.
Vibration of a vertical axially moving string or chain under the influence of gravity

The vertical axially moving string with non-negligible weight is solved for the first time. Using an efficient initial value method, the natural frequencies are determined for various axial speeds and string densities. Nonexistence of standing waves is explained.
Nanostructured cerium oxide: preparation, characterization, and application in energy and environmental catalysis

Nanostructured cerium oxide (CeO2) with outstanding physical and chemical properties has attracted extensive interests over the past few decades in environment and energy-related applications. With controllable synthesis of nanostructured CeO2, much more features were technologically brought out from defect chemistry to structure-derived effects. This review highlights recent progress on the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured ceria-based materials as well as the traditional and new applications. Specifically, several typical applications based on the desired ceria nanostructures are focused to showcase the importance of nanostructure-derived effects. Moreover, some challenges and perspectives on the nanostructured ceria are presented, such as defects controlling and retainment, scale-up fabrication, and monolithic devices. Hopefully, this review can provide an improved understanding of nanostructured CeO2 and offer new opportunities to promote the further research and applications in the future.
“The Finest Kind of Lady”: Hegemonic Femininity in American Women’s Civil War Narratives

In May of 1861, following the formation of the Confederate States of America and the attack on Fort Sumter that solidified the hostilities that led to the Civil War, Lizzie Bunnell wrote, “We would...
The Opportunity of Precision Medicine for Breast Cancer with Context-Sensitive Tumor Suppressor Maspin

To improve the precision of molecular diagnosis and to develop and guide targeted therapies of breast cancer, it is essential to determine the mechanisms that underlie the specific tumor phenotypes. To this end, the application of a snapshot of gene expression profile for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis is fundamentally challenged since the tissue-based data are derived from heterogonous cell types and are not likely to reflect the dynamics of context-dependent tumor progression and drug sensitivity. The intricate network of epithelial differentiation program can be concertedly controlled by tumor suppressor maspin, a homologue of clade B serine protease inhibitors (serpin), through its multifaceted molecular interactions in multiple subcellular localizations. Unlike most other serpins that are expressed in multiple cell types, maspin is epithelial specific and has distinct roles in luminal and myoepithelial cells. Endogenously expressed maspin has been found in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and detected on the surface of cell membrane. It is also secreted free and as an exosomal cargo protein. Research in the field has led to the identification of the maspin targets and maspin-associated molecules, as well as the structural determinants of its suppressive functions. The current review discusses the possibility for maspin to serve as a cell type-specific and context-sensitive marker to improve the precision of breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis. These advancements further suggest a new window of opportunity for designing novel maspin-based chemotherapeutic agents with improved anti-cancer potency. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1639-1647, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyclic (Alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs): Recent Developments

Discovered in 2005, cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbenes (CAACs) are among the most nucleophilic (σ donating) and also electrophilic (π-accepting) stable carbenes known to date. These properties allow them to activate a variety of small molecules and enthalpically strong bonds, to stabilize highly reactive main-group and transition-metal diamagnetic and paramagnetic species, and to bind strongly to metal centers, which gives rise to very robust catalysts. The most important results published up to the end of 2013 are briefly summarized, while the majority of this Review focuses on findings reported within the last three years.
Neuronal Representation of Social Information in the Medial Amygdala of Awake Behaving Mice

The medial amygdala (MeA) plays a critical role in processing species- and sex-specific signals that trigger social and defensive behaviors. However, the principles by which this deep brain structure encodes social information is poorly understood. We used a miniature microscope to image the Ca2+ dynamics of large neural ensembles in awake behaving mice and tracked the responses of MeA neurons over several months. These recordings revealed spatially intermingled subsets of MeA neurons with distinct temporal dynamics. The encoding of social information in the MeA differed between males and females and relied on information from both individual cells and neuronal populations. By performing long-term Ca2+ imaging across different social contexts, we found that sexual experience triggers lasting and sex-specific changes in MeA activity, which, in males, involve signaling by oxytocin. These findings reveal basic principles underlying the brain’s representation of social information and its modulation by intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Health and healthcare disparities among U.S. women and men at the intersection of sexual orientation and race/ethnicity: a nationally representative cross-sectional study

Research has shown that sexual minorities (SMs) (e.g. lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals), compared to their heterosexual counterparts, may engage in riskier health behaviors, are at higher risk of some adverse health outcomes, and are more likely to experience reduced health care access and utilization. However, few studies have examined how the interplay between race and sexual orientation impacts a range of health measures in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population. To address these gaps in the literature, we sought to investigate associations between sexual orientation identity and health/healthcare outcomes among U.S. women and men within and across racial/ethnic groups. Using 2013–2015 National Health Interview Survey data (N = 91,913) we employed Poisson regression with robust variance to directly estimate prevalence ratios (PR) comparing health and healthcare outcomes among SMs of color to heterosexuals of color and white heterosexuals, stratified by gender and adjusting for potential confounders. The sample consisted of 52% women, with approximately 2% of each sex identifying as SMs. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, white (PR = 1.25 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.45]) and black (1.54 [1.07, 2.20]) SM women were more likely to report heavy drinking. Hispanic/Latino SM women and men were more likely to experience short sleep duration compared to white heterosexual women (1.33 [1.06, 1.66]) and men (1.51 [1.21, 1.90). Black SM women had a much higher prevalence of stroke compared to black heterosexual women (3.25 [1.63, 6.49]) and white heterosexual women (4.51 [2.16, 9.39]). White SM women were more likely than white heterosexual women to be obese (1.31 [1.15, 1.48]), report cancer (1.40 [1.07, 1.82]) and report stroke (1.91 [1.16, 3.15]. White (2.41 [2.24, 2.59]), black (1.40[1.20, 1.63]), and Hispanic/Latino SM (2.17 [1.98, 2.37]) men were more likely to have been tested for HIV than their heterosexual counterparts. Sexual minorities had a higher prevalence of some poor health behaviors, health outcomes, and healthcare access issues, and these disparities differed across racial groups. Further research is needed to investigate potential pathways, such as discrimination, in the social environment that may help explain the relationship between sexual orientation and health.
Predictors of poor outcome in infrainguinal bypass for trauma.

Abstract Background Trauma remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vascular injuries are present in approximately 1% to 2% of trauma patients, with the majority of injuries occurring to the extremities. Trauma patients with vascular injuries have been shown to have increased morbidity and mortality as well as the need for increased resources compared with those without vascular injuries. This study aimed to determine predictors of poor outcomes in infrainguinal bypasses performed for traumatic arterial injury. Methods All patients admitted between September 1999 and July 2015 who underwent infrainguinal arterial bypass for trauma at a single level I trauma center were included for analysis. The primary outcome was a composite of thrombosis leading to graft abandonment, revision, amputation, or death. Data were analyzed by univariate descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses. Long-term data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results During the study period, 108 patients presented with and underwent infrainguinal arterial bypass for traumatic arterial injury. The cohort had a mean age of 35.8 years (16/108 female [15%]). The average Injury Severity Score was 15.2; admission glomerular filtration rate, 79.3 mL/min/1.73 m2; Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), 6; and injury to operating room time, 5.1 hours. Of 108 patients, 37 (34%) had penetrating injury, 71 (66%) had blunt injury, 10 (9.3%) had diabetes mellitus, and 76 (70.4%) had a below-knee target for bypass. Univariate risk factors for poor outcome included age >40 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.27 [1.40-7.65]; P Conclusions Poor outcomes in infrainguinal bypass for trauma are significantly predicted by the MESS, with poor outcomes occurring >50% of the time when MESS is ≥9 and >75% of the time when MESS is ≥11. Whereas amputation vs revascularization is a decision that also depends on nerve and soft tissue damage and other comorbidities, the MESS helps frame the data for the clinician and can aid in decision-making. Patients and family should understand that poor outcomes are more likely when MESS is ≥9. For patients with MESS ≥11, primary amputation can be considered.
Preferred Means of Hostility Expression among Missionaries: An Exploratory Study:

The effects of the stresses in a missionary's environment were examined in terms of their responses to a measure of hostility and an index of stress. The Buss-Durkee Inventory (BD; Buss & Durkee, 1...
Double transposition and single branched TEVAR for total arch replacement in chronic dissection

Complex arch pathologies such as mid-arch aneurysms, mega-aortic syndrome and residual arch and distal descending aortic dissection traditionally require two step solutions to achieve a complete repair. This typically involves an open repair of the arch with either a traditional elephant trunk or frozen elephant trunk technique followed by open descending repair or stent grafting. More recently, hybrid arch repair has become available. Hybrid repairs require surgical reconstruction to bring the supra-aortic vessels more proximally off the ascending aorta and placement of a stent graft in the ascending aorta distal to their take-off. As for any endovascular stent graft procedure, the proximal and distal landing zones are crucial. Chronic residual arch and distal aortic dissection from an incomplete previous DeBakey I acute dissection repair is a uniquely difficult problem due to the re-do status of the patient and the complexity of the flap in the distal arch. However, they typically have surgical graft proximal landing zones which facilitate proximal seal. As device technology has improved, emerging therapies for total aortic arch replacement have recently developed using primarily endovascular approaches for patients who required landing into Zone 0. These include devices that have either a single branch and require a transposition or bypass to the left carotid and the left subclavian arteries or two branch devices that require bilateral carotid cut down, carotid-carotid bypass in the neck and left carotid-subclavian bypass.
Finite Amplitude Wave Propagation Experiments

The finite distortional deformation generalization described in this monograph was first discovered during the analysis of observations from finite amplitude wave propagation experiments. The present description of uniaxial stress distortional deformation begins with the discussion of these data.
Abstract 298: Identifying mechanisms of anti-apoptotic adaptation to enhance BAX activation and overcome resistance to apoptosis

The BCL-2 protein family includes both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, which have a central role in regulating apoptosis during tumor formation and in response to chemotherapy. Cancer cells can evade apoptosis through upregulation of the BCL-2 anti-apoptotic proteins and/or the downregulation or inhibition of the BCL-2 pro-apoptotic proteins. BAX is a crucial pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family protein that upon activation translocates from the cytosol to the mitochondria to execute mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, the “point of no return” for mitochondrial apoptosis. BH3 mimetics, small molecules that have been developed to bind specific anti-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins, such as Venetoclax, have shown efficacy in hematologic cancers but generally are less effective in solid tumors. Here we explored a panel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines for elucidating their mechanism of anti-apoptotic adaptation and identify novel therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance to apoptosis. We used the BH3 profiling approach in NSCLC cell lines, as a tool to understand addiction to specific BCL-2 family members, and identified cells that depend on one or more anti-apoptotic proteins for their survival. Furthermore, these cell lines have low expression levels of the activators BH3-only proteins suggesting that downregulation of BH3-only proteins could be a second apoptotic block. Using size-exclusion chromatography of cytosolic cellular extracts we found that NSCLC cell lines contain BAX in dimeric conformation, which is previously characterized to provide resistance to BAX activation, suggesting that this could be a third factor increasing the apoptotic threshold. Our laboratory recently developed a lead BAX activator small molecule, BTSA1, that mimics BIM BH3 helix and interacts with the BAX activation site inducing apoptosis in vitro and in vivo in hematological cancers. We hypothesized that availability of increased amounts of cytosolic BAX monomers in addition to direct BAX activation by BTSA1 would be sufficient to broadly overcome resistance to apoptosis in NSCLC cells. To systematically identify such mechanisms, we have performed combinatorial high-throughput screens using a library of FDA-approved and investigational chemotherapeutic drugs. We identified drugs that significantly enhanced apoptosis when are combined with direct BAX activation. Our work highlights three different mechanisms of anti-apoptotic adaptation and resistance in NSCLC and provides novel pharmacological strategies that may lead to effective therapies for cancer patients. Citation Format: Andrea G. Lopez-Arroyo, Evripidis Gavathiotis. Identifying mechanisms of anti-apoptotic adaptation to enhance BAX activation and overcome resistance to apoptosis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 298.
On The Rate-Cost of Gaussian Linear Control Systems with Random Communication Delays

This work considers Gaussian linear control systems where the goal is to guarantee system-state mean-square stability (i.e., $E(\Vert{\mathrm{x}}(t)\Vert^{2})\ \leq\ \mathsf{D}$ ) while minimizing the traffic rate $R$ between the sensor(s) and the controller. Most existing results either assume zero delay or focus on the asymptotic setting that overlooks the impact of delay. Nonetheless, in practice the communication delay is randomly distributed due to varying channel/network conditions. When the sensor measurement finally arrives at the controller, the age-of-information is thus random. Heuristically, an “old” measurement provides less valuable information than a “young” measurement but the quantitative impact of random delay on the optimal rate-cost tradeoff $R^{\ast}(\mathsf{D})$ remains an open problem. This work provides the first lower bound $R_{\mathrm{LB}}(\mathsf{D})$ for the random delay setting and designs a simple scheme that leads to a numerically evaluated upper bound $R_{\mathrm{UB}}(\mathsf{D})$ . Jointly $R_{\mathrm{LB}}(\mathsf{D})$ and $R_{\mathrm{UB}}(\mathsf{D})$ bracket the optimal tradeoff $R^{\ast}(\mathrm{D})$ . The new $R_{\mathrm{LB}}(\mathsf{D})$ is asymptotically tight when either $\mathsf{D}\rightarrow\infty$ or $R\rightarrow\infty$ , and sheds further insights on how the (random) age of information could impact the performance of a cyber-physical control system.
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Regulatory T Cells for More Targeted Immunosuppressive Therapies.

There has been a prolific amount of research dedicated to the T-regulatory cells (Tregs) and their role in achieving immune homeostasis. Here, the authors briefly discuss the known biology, utilization, and potential of Tregs, for current trials and future immunotherapy. Most current trials of Treg therapies include either ex vivo expanded Tregs transferred into the peripheral blood of patients with diseases of immunologic origin or interleukin 2 injected to stimulate Tregs directly. Ongoing trials designed to measure the clinical efficacy and safety profile of these novel therapeutic approaches have resulted in largely favorable outcomes in a variety of autoimmune and alloimmune diseases.
Long-Term Effects of Randomization to a Weight Loss Intervention in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) show intentional weight loss improves body composition and physical function in older adults; however, the long-term benefits (and risks) are unknown. We conduc...
Equality and the Spirit of Capitalism: The Impact of Income Equality on Entrepreneurship

I study the impact of income equality on entrepreneurship in emerging market communities. My core argument is that increased income equality will increase entrepreneurial activity because social tr...
Exploring Coaches' Perceptions of Youth Sport Specialization: A Comparison of High School and Club Sport Contexts

Context Previous researchers have identified sport specialization as being associated with various negative outcomes (eg, overuse injuries and adverse psychosocial outcomes). However, little is kno...
New directions in anxiety disorder treatment.

As this special volume indicates, we have multiple modalities and approaches for thinking about anxiety and its therapeutics. Our treatment approaches and understandings vary from the psychological and cognitive to the biological and pharmacological. We also assert that the underlying neurobiology, mechanisms and evolutionary psychology of anxiety are the best understood of any form of psychiatric disorder. Yet while most patients who suffer anxiety disorders can be helped, few are cured. Furthermore, while anxiety research is robust, as evidenced in this issue, the therapies and therapeutic outcomes of today look very much the same as 30 years ago. The most dramatically and acutely effective of pharmacological anxiolytic treatments are limited by challenges of tachyphylaxis, diversion and abuse, and withdrawal syndromes when discontinued. Therefore, in short, there remains work to be done and new approaches to be determined to better address this form of human suffering. In this effort, it may be that our belief that we fully understand anxiety and its neurocircuitry is a distraction, the idea that it is simply the over-reactivity and hyperresponsiveness of fear circuitry, otherwise designed to keep us safe, that explains what we experience and what goes awry. Genetic risk profiling of other psychiatric disorders underscores the heterogeneity of risk for emotional and cognitive dysregulation. This observation implies that personalised psychiatry and the future …
Deformation of bulk dielectric fluids under corona-initiated charge injection

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow induced in dielectric fluids by charge injection is capable of producing convective instabilities accompanied by surface deformation of fluids. This work presents the results of experimental observations of the EHD flow induced in bulk dielectric liquid layers using corona discharge. A method for deformation analysis of surface liquid is presented and used to characterize the convective instabilities and bulk deformations formed within the fluid. The governing liquid properties for the deformations are discussed, indicating the vital role of surface tension and viscosity. Critical voltages at which rapid transformation of the liquid’s deformation occurs are identified and discussed. Consideration is also given to the potential application of the EHD flow as an air-wave-type EHD pump, including analyses of pumping performance and its governing parameters. The liquid layer thickness is shown to be a dominant parameter in the efficacy of such proposed pump designs.